SEDL / STP / STP1050-EB / STP24044S

Kinematic Analysis of the Talocrural and Subtalar Joints During the Hockey Skating Stride

Hoshizaki, TB
McGill University, Biomechanics of Sport, Montreal, Quebec

Kirchner, G
McGill University, Biomechanics of Sport, Montreal, Quebec

Hall, K
Canstar Sports Group, Montreal, Quebec

Pages: 9    Published: Jan 1989

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Abstract

Few studies have been undertaken describing the kinematics of either the subtalar or talocrural joints during the ice hockey skating stride. Unfortunately, the lack of scientific data severely restricts the effectiveness of hockey skate design innovations. The purposes of these investigations were, first, to characterize the kinematics of the talocrural and subtalar joints during the most common form of ice hockey skating, forward acceleration. Secondly, these studies investigated the interaction of the ankle and the hockey boot during forward acceleration, and, finally, they describe differences in the kinematics of the ankle while skating in a variety of high-quality hockey skates. Range of motion of the subtalar and talocrural joints was measured under static and dynamic loads for dorsal and plantar flexion and for supination and pronation. Dynamic values were obtained while the skaters were accelerating, turning, starting, and stopping. Conclusions from the data revealed that the type of hockey skate an athlete wears can effect the range of motion of the talocrural and subtalar joints during the skating stride. It was also observed that the molded skates used in this study did not restrict the range of motion of the ankle to any greater degree when compared to other skates.