Reliability of an ice hockey-specific complex test

Abstract

Background This study assessed the intra-rater reliability of an ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) that reflects the intense multidirectional and intermittent efforts required in ice hockey.

Methods Twenty professional players executed the IHCT twice over an interval of 2 days. Load parameters included a 10-m sprint, a 30-m transition with and without a puck, as well as slap and wrist shots. Stress parameters were lactate concentrations and heart rates.

Results The intrarater reliability (ICC) ranged from 0.54 to 0.98 for load parameters, and from 0.26 to 0.87 for stress parameters. 33 % (3/9) of stress parameters and 82 % (18/22) of load parameters had an ICC > 0.75. The largest limits of agreement were 41.6 for slap shot 1 after test and 50.4 for 6-min heart rate recovery. The smallest were 0.40 (10-m sprint without a puck) and 5.36 (resting lactate). The intra-rater reliability as shown by the coefficient of variation (CV) was lower for stress than for load parameters (mean CV: 13.4 vs. 4.7). 68 % (15/22) of load parameters and 11 % (1/9) of stress parameters showed a CV below 5 %.

Conclusion The IHCT is currently the only ice hockey-specific complex test with scientifically tested reliability and validity that can analyze performance under conditions similar to competition. It is suggested that coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists explore use of this test as a valid tool to assess players’ performance and the effectiveness of training interventions.

Zusammenfassung

Fragestellung Ziel der Studie war es, einen validierten eishockeyspezifischen Komplextest (IHCT), der eng am Anforderungsprofil der Sportart orientiert ist, hinsichtlich seiner Intrarater-Reliabilität zu prüfen.

Material und Methoden 20 professionelle Eishockeyspieler absolvierten den IHCT im Abstand von 2 Tagen. Innerhalb des IHCT wurden sowohl Belastungsparameter (z. B. Sprintzeit 10 m und 30 m ohne und mit Puck, Schussgeschwindigkeit und -genauigkeit) als auch Beanspruchungsparameter (Laktat, Herzfrequenz) erfasst.

Ergebnisse Seitens der Belastungsparameter bewegte sich die Intrarater-Reliabilität (Intraclass-Korrelationskoeffizient (ICC)) zwischen 0,54 und 0,98. Für die Beanspruchungsparameter ließen sich ICC-Werte zwischen 0,26 und 0,87 berechnen. 33 % (3/9) der Beanspruchungsparameter und 82 % (18/22) der Belastungsparameter zeigten eine hohe Reliabilität (ICC > 0,75). Die größten Limits of Agreement bewegten sich zwischen 41,6 (Schlagschuss 1 nach Test) und 50,4 (Erholungsherzfrequenz in Minute 6 nach Test). Die geringsten Differenzen wurden für den 10m-Sprint ohne Puck (0,40) und den Ruhe-Laktatwert (5,36) ermittelt. Auch auf der Basis des Coefficient of Variation (CV) war die Intrarater-Reliabilität für die Beanspruchungsparameter deutlich geringer als für die Belastungsparameter (CV: 13,4 vs. 4,7). 68 % (15/22) der Belastungsparameter und 11 % (1/9) der Beanspruchungsparameter wiesen einen CV unter 5 % auf.

Schlussfolgerung Der IHCT ist aktuell der einzige eishockeyspezifische Komplextest, der die sportartspezifische Leistungsfähigkeit unter wettkampfähnlichen Bedingungen testet und darüber hinaus einen wissenschaftlichen Reliabilitäts- und Validitätsnachweis besitzt. Die Testergebnisse sollten alle Akteure (Trainer, Sportwissenschaftler, Athletiktrainer, Leistungsdiagnostiker) in diesem Tätigkeitsfeld dazu ermutigen, ebenfalls sportartspezifisch zu testen, um die Leistungsfähigkeit der Spieler und die Wirksamkeit von Trainingsinterventionen valide beurteilen zu können.

Key words

ice hockey - test performance - reliability

Schlüsselwörter

Eishockey - Testleistung - Reliabilität

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