A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.
PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.
METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.
RESULTS: There was an overall increase in activity and duration of the muscles while skating on an incline as compared to level skating. There was also a greater range of motion in the trunk and knee joints with inclined skating.
CONCLUSION: The hockey treadmill may be advantageous in the rehabilitation and training of hockey players