Static and dynamic postural control adaptations induced by playing ice hockey

Abstract

In ice hockey, players produce high velocities by skating and game actions are typically characterized by sudden accelerations and brisk decelerations. Thus, the vestibular system is particularly stressed. The aims of this study were to evaluate sensorial organization and head stabilization control of ice hockey players in order to investigate if this kind of activity induces specific sensorimotor adaptation. We studied 8 elite hockey players, 8 amateur players and 10 healthy controls. Three tests were performed: (1) sensory organization test (SOT) to evaluate sensorial organization in maintaining steady stance in quiet standing; (2) head stabilization stance test (H-STAN) to evaluate head-to-trunk stabilization during quiet steady stance; and (3) stepping test (STEP) to evaluate skills in maintaining the head stable with respect to the trunk during walking in place. In SOT, elite players had a greather visual component and reduced vestibular component. In H-STAN test, elites, when standing on foam, presented head less stable than trunk. In STEP test, with respect to normal subjects and amateurs the head of elites was less stable in the sagittal plane with eyes open and more stable in the frontal plane with eyes closed.