Resisted Sprint Training Improves Overground Sprint, Jump, and Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Kinetics and Kinematics in Male Youth Ice Hockey Players: A Randomized Control Trial

This study investigated the effects of an on-ice resisted sprint training (RST) intervention, an overground RST intervention and a traditional training control condition on measures associated with ice skating completion time. The vertical jump, the broad jump, the isometric mid-thigh pull, and overground sprint completion times, along wth sprint kinetics and kinematics were obtained prior and at the conclusion of the 8-week training intervention. There was a 7% increase in jump height (p < 0.05), a 9% increase in the jump peak force (p < 0.05), a 10% increase in jump peak power and a 21% increase in broad jump distance (p < 0.001) across all groups. Only the overground RST group significantly improved by 12% (p = 0.007) in the isometric mid-thigh pull peak force. All groups decreased 9.14-m completion time (-3%), 36.58-m completion time (-4%), and flying 30-m top speed completion time (-9%) (p < 0.05). The on-ice RST group improved by 22% in theoretical maximal horizontal force, 24% in theoretical maximal horizontal power, and 7% in the maximal ratio of force (p < 0.05). The step rate decreased by -2%, and the trunk angle increased by 48% at the touchdown and 30% at the toe-off for the overground RST group (p < 0.05). RST and bodyweight training induced comparable changes across most overground athletic performance measures associated with ice skating. Coaches desiring to improve overground predictors of ice skating performance in ice hockey players may benefit from incorporating RST as a component of a well rounded strength and conditioning program.