Understanding the biomechanics of a hockey stride is crucial for players aiming to maximize their on-ice performance and for MSK practitioners who support injury recovery and athletic enhancement.
In our exploration, we'll break down the hockey stride into its core components: initial contact of the skate with the ice, the glide during single support, the propulsion phase, the final push-off, and the stride recovery. We'll highlight key muscles and joints at work in each phase and the mechanical principles at play.
Additionally, we'll showcase how targeted Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques can help resolve biomechanical constraints, leading to improved performance and reduced injury risk. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of hockey stride biomechanics, blending science with the art of movement on the ice.
Article Index:
Initial Skate Contact
The journey of a hockey stride begins the instant the skate blade touches the ice, most often engaging at its outer edge. This first touch is more than just a start—it’s the foundation for the stride’s impending force and direction.
For optimal performance, the skate blade should point straight ahead or be slightly flared out. This ensures proper knee alignment over the skate, a critical factor in force transmission. An inward knee tilt can lead to undue stress on the knee, hip, and groin areas, potentially escalating the risk of lower body injuries.
At this starting gate, the difference between a good stride and a great one can often be seen in the degree of hip and knee flexion. Elite skaters typically exhibit a deeper bend at the hip and knee as they initiate contact, akin to a coiled spring loaded with potential energy. This poised position is a strategic setup for the powerhouse muscles like the quadriceps and glutes, gearing them up for explosive propulsion in the stride that follows.
Engaging at this stage, the hip flexors and quadriceps are the stars of the show, setting the stage for a powerful and efficient stride.
Anatomy & Biomechanics
Hip Flexors/Iliopsoas:
The hip flexors, with the iliopsoas at the forefront, are essential drivers in the biomechanics of a hockey stride. They flex the hip by drawing the knee up, a critical first step in a series of movements that culminate in the explosive thrust propelling a player across the ice.
Should these muscles be impaired—by injury, overstrain, or insufficient strength—the ramifications for a hockey player are immediate. The athlete may find it challenging to raise the knee adequately or to muster the necessary force at the stride's inception. Such limitations often translate into diminished speed and a noticeable drop in on-ice agility.
Quadriceps:
The quadriceps, comprising four key muscles at the front of the thigh, are instrumental in the mechanics of a hockey stride. The rectus femoris is particularly critical due to its role in both hip flexion and knee extension.
When a player initiates skate contact, the quadriceps, especially the rectus femoris, provide knee stability which is essential for balance and setting up a powerful stride.
Should the quadriceps be weakened from strain or injury, the stability during skate contact is compromised, leading to potential imbalance. This instability can affect the entire skating motion, reducing technique quality.
Moreover, if quadriceps issues persist, players may alter their stride to compensate, which can result in muscle imbalances or further injuries elsewhere. Therefore, keeping the quadriceps strong is vital for both optimal skating performance and injury prevention.
Motion Specific Release
Hockey Biomechanics - Part 1: Initial Skate Contact
Dr. Abelson demonstrates MSR procedures used to release restrictions, helping to improve AROM, address muscle imbalances and improve overall performance.
Conclusion - MSR Hockey Biomechanics - Part 1
In conclusion, the key to peak performance and injury prevention in hockey lies in the detailed understanding and application of stride biomechanics. Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques emerge as a critical element, offering a way to address biomechanical limitations and enhance muscle function. By focusing on the strength and flexibility of vital muscle groups like the hip flexors and quadriceps, players can improve stability and power in their stride, while MSK practitioners can provide more effective rehabilitation and preventive care.
As we continue to explore the biomechanics of hockey, integrating MSR into player training and healthcare practices promises to not only boost performance but also safeguard athletes against injury. This approach reinforces the essential bond between science and sport, driving the evolution of hockey training and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Brian Ableson - The Author
Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.
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References
Abelson, B., Abelson, K., & Mylonas, E. (2018, February). A Practitioner's Guide to Motion Specific Release, Functional, Successful, Easy to Implement Techniques for Musculoskeletal Injuries (1st edition). Rowan Tree Books.
Bracko, M. R., Fellingham, G. W., Hall, L. T., Fisher, A. G., & Cryer, W. (1998). Performance skating characteristics of professional ice hockey forwards. Sports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 8, 251–263.
Chau, E. G., Sim, F. H., Stauffer, R. N., & Johannson, K. G. (1973). Mechanics of ice hockey injuries. In Bleustein J. L. (Ed.), American Society of Mechanical Engineers: Mechanics and Sport.
Hay, J. G. (1993). In The biomechanics of sports techniques (4th ed.). Prentice-Hall.
Lafontaine, D., & Lamontagne, M. (2003). 3-D Kinematics Using Moving Cameras. Part 1: Development and Validation of the Mobile Data Acquisition System. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 19, 4.
Manners, T. W. (2004). Sport-Specific Training for Ice Hockey. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 26, 16–21.
Montgomery, D. L., Nobes, K., Pearsall, D. J., & Turcotte, R. A. (2004). Task analysis (hitting, shooting, passing and skating) of professional hockey players. ASTM Special Technical Publication.
Nobes, K. J., Montgomery, D. L., Pearsall, D. J., Turcotte, R. A., Lefebvre, R., & Whittom, F. (2003). A Comparison of Skating Economy on-Ice and on the Skating Treadmill. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 28, 1–11.
Post, A., Oeur, A., Hoshizaki, T. B., & Gilchrist, M. D. (2011). Examination of the relationship of peak linear and angular acceleration to brain deformation metrics in hockey helmet impacts. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 16, 511–519.
Tuominen, M., Stuart, M. J., Aubry, M., Kannus, P., & Parkkari, J. (2015). Injuries in men’s international ice hockey: a 7-year study of the International Ice Hockey Federation Adult World Championship Tournaments and Olympic Winter Games. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49, 30–36.
Turcotte, R. A., Pearsall, D. J., & Montgomery, D. L. (2001). An apparatus to measure stiffness properties of ice hockey skate boots. Sports Engineering, 4, 43–48.
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