Sensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP AHEAD Program

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

sensorimotor and neuromuscular training: Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training exercises aimed at training the cervical spine neuromuscular control, vestibular system and oculomotor system in addition to ice hockey specific training the incorporates higher level integrated functional activities of these integrated systems. This will be performed at the same frequency as their typical training - four days per week in the gym, one day of yoga or recovery as well as on ice sessions.

Typical off season ice hockey training: Typical training for ice hockey players off season

Study summary

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of SM/NM training in ice hockey players. The specific questions include: 1) typical performance on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) tests 2) evaluate SM/NM training on ice hockey skills performance and SM/NM tests, 3) evaluate SM/NM control to prevent concussions and injuries

Participants will:

Consent and complete a series of SM/NM tests. Participate in their typical training for 4 weeks. Repeat the SM/NM tests. Participate in SM/NM training for 4 weeks as part of their off season training program.

Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills testing. Record any injuries and concussions that they sustain over the next season. Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills tests at the start of the 2025 off season training (estimated May - July of 2025).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Craniocervical flexion — 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
  mmHg, the ability of the participant to perform a craniovertebral flexion task in a controlled way and maintain the position for a minimum of 3 seconds.
• Dynamic Visual Acuity — 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
  logMAR, Represents the ability of the patient to see clearly with head motion as per Schneider et al 2019=8
• Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS) — 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
  Symptom provocation on tests of vestibulo ocular and oculomotor function, rated on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10= the worse imaginable, Mucha et al 2014
• Advanced Functional Gait Assessment — 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
  /48, 16 tests of dynamic balance each rated on a scale of 0-3 with 0 repress unable to complete the task and 3 is able to perfectly complete the task.
• Transition Agility Skate — 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
  Seconds, Outcome of the transition agility skate on the Hockey Canada skills test

Trial sites (1)

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