Evaluating activity of deep stabilising system of the spine in young elite ice hockey players

Abstract

Research focused on an assessment of the activity and reactivity of DSSS muscles in premier league ice hockey players from youth teams of the Czech hockey club in Karlovy Vary. DSSS examinations of 35 players were administered by using a series of tests of provoked postural activity according to Kolar. Results from the junior and younger adolescent categories were compared. Manifestations of postural stabilisation disorders, indicating DSSS function disorders in all players, were revealed. A pathological position of pelvis in anteversion was noted, as well as  onexpansion of abdominal cavity and lower chest against palpation, cranial migration of ribs without lateral chest extension, concavity in the area of the inguinal canal and abdominal diastasis. When the groups of younger (mean age=14.5yrs) and older players (mean age=17.9yrs) were compared, the older players achieved inferior values for the monitored indicators, indicating an even more profound insufficiency of deep spine stabilisers with respect to the duration of hockey practice. The results indicate that repeated one-sided intensive training may have an unfavourable effect on the activity of deep spine muscles in ice hockey players. The strain experienced by players during training sessions and matches should be compensated through targeted and intentional activation.

Keywords: Low back pain; Deep stabilising system; Ice hockey; Injury; Training.