Postural stability as a determinant of agility in ice hockey

Abstract

Purpose In this paper, we highlight the interactions of dynamic postural stability (DPS) and running agility of ice hockey players in Slovakia. Material and methods Postural stability was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and agility by the 6x9m running test. We expected significant interactions between agility test performance and DPS for both legs in all directions tested. The level of DPS was characterized by descriptive statistics. Laterality between right and left standing leg was assessed by Student's t-test. The relationships between DPS and agility were investigated by Pearson correlation coefficient "r". Statistical significance of differences and relationships was assessed at the 5% significance level. Results The results of the correlation analysis pointed to interactions of movement performance in the agility of hockey players with DPS predominantly with all tested directions (p<0.05). Non-significant interactions (p>0.05) were demonstrated only with the Anteriomedial direction in the right standing leg and in the Anterior position for the left standing leg. Differences in laterality between the right and left standing leg were found only in the Anteriomedial and PosteroMedial directions (p<0.05). Stepwise regression showed the highest tightness of agility on the left leg in the Medial direction (average values ​​r = 0.665, Beta*r = 44.23%) and Posterolateral direction (maximum values ​​r = 0.665, Beta*r = 44.23%). On the right leg, in the Posteromedial direction (average values ​​r = 0.658, Beta*r = 44.01%) and the Posterior direction (maximum values ​​r = 0.663, Beta*r = 43.90%). Conclusions The positive interactions of agility and DPS in hockey players highlight the importance of a balanced and stable stance of both feet in all directions. Perfect balance and stability of hockey players eliminates fluctuations created by running or skating movement in all directions and facilitates their execution without major changes in dynamic performance.  It also significantly increases the chances of reducing the activation time of the muscle chains involved in the test execution technique, or in the structure of hockey players' skating technique itself.