Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study From the Swedish Hockey League
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 114
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Distribution and frequency of hand and wrist injuries among professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
研究概览
简要总结
This study, titled Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL-HITT), aims to deliver a comprehensive national overview of hand and wrist injuries among professional hockey players.
These injuries are relatively common-accounting for approximately 16% of all hockey-related injuries-and can range from minor issues to severe conditions that jeopardize player performance and careers due to prolonged absences or lasting impairment. Despite their significance, there is limited detailed knowledge regarding the specific patterns, mechanisms, and consequences of hand and wrist injuries at the elite level.
Utilizing data from a nationwide injury registry, this observational cohort study will cover three full SHL seasons: 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. The dataset is expected to include approximately 2,300 games, encompassing both regular season and playoff matches. The study will examine injury characteristics such as type (e.g., fractures, soft tissue damage), player position, in-game timing, and additional contextual factors. Statistical analyses will be conducted to identify trends, correlations, and potential risk profiles among different player groups or positions.
The findings are expected to support the development of enhanced protective equipment and targeted prevention strategies, ultimately contributing to reduced injury incidence and improved athlete health and career sustainability.
The study timeline includes preparation in late 2024, with data collection already ongoing and ethical approval obtained. The analysis will begin following the publication of the study protocol, and we aim for final publication of results in the second half of 2025.
详细描述
This nationwide observational cohort study, titled Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL-HITT), aims to systematically characterize the epidemiology and distribution of hand and wrist injuries among elite ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Given that upper extremity injuries constitute a significant proportion of hockey-related trauma, with approximately 16% involving the forearm, wrist, and hand, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature regarding the incidence, nature, and severity of these injuries in professional athletes. Utilizing registry data collected since the 2022/23 SHL season, including detailed player baseline characteristics, injury diagnoses classified by ICD codes, and contextual game data, the study will employ descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to elucidate patterns of fracture and soft tissue injuries. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating injury mechanisms relative to player position and game situations. Statistical methods will include Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and parametric or non-parametric tests as appropriate, with significance set at p<0.05. Findings from this study are expected to contribute valuable insights for the development of evidence-based injury prevention strategies and tailored protective interventions aimed at reducing the burden of hand and wrist injuries, thereby potentially enhancing player safety and performance outcomes in professional ice hockey.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Observational
- 观察模型
- Cohort
- 时间视角
- Retrospective
入排标准
- 性别
- Male
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Professional ice hockey players actively rostered in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during the 2022/23 season and onwards.
- •Players with recorded forearm, hand or wrist injuries documented in the SHL injury register.
排除标准
- •Players not officially signed to an SHL team during the study period.
- •Injuries occurring outside the forearm, hand or wrist region.
- •Incomplete or missing injury data in the registry.
研究组 & 干预措施
SHL players with hand/wrist injuries from all games in 2022/23-2024/25 seasons
The study cohort will consist of all registered professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) who have sustained a hand or wrist injury during official SHL games over the course of three full seasons: 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. This includes players from all 14 teams in the league.
In total, the study is expected to cover approximately 2,300-2,350 games, including both regular season and playoff matches across the three seasons. All injuries recorded in the SHL's centralized medical injury registry, maintained by the Swedish Medical Association for Ice Hockey, will be included. This registry captures detailed information reported by team medical staff during each season.
The cohort will include:
All SHL players active during the 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25 seasons.
Players of all positions (forwards, defensemen, goalkeepers) and age groups.
All injuries coded under relevant ICD classifications for trauma to the elbow, forearm, wrist, and han
结局指标
主要结局
Distribution and frequency of hand and wrist injuries among professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
时间窗: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.
Anatomical location (e.g., wrist, hand, fingers, thumb) Type of injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation, ligament injury, tendon rupture, contusion) Laterality (left vs. right hand)
次要结局
- Injury incidence by player position(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
- Time of injury occurrence(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
- Time lost due to injury(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
- Severity of injury(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
- Recurrence of injury(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
- Baseline characteristics of the cohort(For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.)
研究者
Daniel Muder
Principal Investigator
Dalarna County Council, Sweden