RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Sensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP AHEAD Program

This study, called 'STEP AHEAD', is for ice hockey players. We want to see if a special type of training, called sensorimotor and neuromuscular training, can help improve their game. This training focuses on how the body senses movement and controls muscles. We're looking to see if it makes players perform better, helps them avoid injuries, especially concussions, and improves their balance and reactions. We also want to understand if this kind of training is better than typical off-season exercise. Participants will do some tests, train, and then do tests again to see the changes. We'll follow them to see how many injuries they get too.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre

Enrolment target

250

Start

18 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Ice Hockey Players

What is this study about?

This study, called 'STEP AHEAD', is all about helping ice hockey players perform at their best and stay safe on the ice. We're looking into a special type of exercise called sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) training. This isn't just about getting stronger; it's about improving how well your brain communicates with your body. Think of it like fine-tuning your internal GPS and reaction times – improving your balance, coordination, and how quickly you respond to things happening on the ice.

Currently, we don't fully understand how improving these sensorimotor skills affects performance in sports like ice hockey, or if it can really help prevent injuries. This study aims to fill those gaps. We want to see if adding SM/NM exercises to a player's off-season routine can make a real difference in their hockey skills, like skating and stickhandling. We also want to find out if this training can reduce the risk of injuries, especially concussions, which are a big concern in contact sports.

By gathering this information, we hope to learn how to make training better and safer for ice hockey players of all ages. The results of this study could lead to new recommendations for how players train, helping them not only become better athletes but also protecting them from harm. Ultimately, we want to help players have a long and healthy career in ice hockey.

Key takeaways

A study for ice hockey players aged 12-40 in Calgary.
Investigating special training to improve skills and prevent injuries.
Participants will undergo tests, train, and track injuries.
Aims to understand how 'smart' movements affect hockey performance and safety.
Participation will last roughly a year, including off-season training and follow-up.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for male and female ice hockey players between the ages of 12 and 40 years old. To be part of this study, you need to be actively training with Crash Conditioning in Calgary and the surrounding area during the 2024 to 2026 off-season period.

There are no specific reasons that would stop someone from joining, as long as they meet the age and training location requirements. So, if you're an ice hockey player in the Calgary area who trains with Crash Conditioning and are within the specified age range, you might be a good fit for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 40 years old?
Are you an ice hockey player?
Do you train with Crash Conditioning in Calgary or the surrounding area?
Will you be training with Crash Conditioning during the 2024-2026 off-seasons?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, here's what you can expect over roughly a year. First, you'll give your permission to join and then complete a series of tests that look at your balance, coordination, and how your body senses movement. After these initial tests, you'll continue with your usual ice hockey training for about four weeks. Then, you'll repeat those same movement and sensation tests.

Next, for another four weeks, you'll add the special sensorimotor and neuromuscular training into your off-season routine. After this, you'll do the movement tests again, along with some tests to check your ice hockey skills on the ice. Over the next hockey season, you'll be asked to record any injuries or concussions you might experience. Finally, at the start of the 2025 off-season (around May to July 2025), you'll do the movement and on-ice skill tests one last time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve your ice hockey skills and coordination, and it might even reduce your risk of injuries like concussions. The exercises themselves are part of physical training, but there's always a small chance of muscle soreness or minor injury with any physical activity. You will also spend some time doing tests and recording information. Remember, participation is completely voluntary; you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your ongoing care or training.

Locations (1)

Concussion Rehabilitation Laboratory
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Sensorimotor Training'?

It's a special type of exercise that helps improve how your brain and body work together for movement, balance, and quick reactions. Think of it as improving your body's 'smart' movements.

Will this training make me stronger?

While it might indirectly help, this training focuses more on improving your balance, coordination, and how quickly you react, rather than just building muscle strength.

Do I have to change my normal training?

You'll continue your typical off-season training but will add in the special sensorimotor exercises for a four-week period.

What kind of tests will I do?

The tests will check your balance, how you sense movement, vision, and how well you can pay attention to different things at once. There will also be tests of your ice hockey skills on the ice.

What if I get injured during the study?

You'll be asked to record any injuries or concussions you get over the hockey season so the researchers can understand if the training had an effect.

How to find out more

Kathryn Schneider, PT, PhD

kjschnei@ucalgary.ca 4033892245 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.