Influence of Sport Specialization on Quality of Life, Physical Literacy, and Injury History in Hockey Players
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training
Abstract
Sport specialization and its effect on health-related quality of life, physical literacy, and injury among ice hockey players is poorly understood. We examined specialization patterns, quality of life, physical literacy, and injury history in a sample of 63 high school-aged hockey players. Thirty-eight percent of participants reported moderate specialization; over half of the sample reported high specialization. Highly specialized players spent a greater amount of weekly time per week in hockey activities (21.14 hr, 95% confidence interval [17.4, 24.88]) and reported a greater number of injuries when compared with moderate and low specializers (χ2 = 0.026). Acute injuries were more prevalent than chronic or overuse injuries across all groups. No differences were observed on physical literacy or quality of life scores. Despite their increased participation and greater frequency of injuries, specialization did not significantly impact health-related quality of life.
First Page
109
Last Page
116
DOI
10.1123/ijatt.2024-0002
Publication Date
3-1-2025
Recommended Citation
Marshall, Kendall; Chimera, Nicole J.; and McLeod, Tamara Valovich, "Influence of Sport Specialization on Quality of Life, Physical Literacy, and Injury History in Hockey Players" (2025). AT Faculty Publications. 295.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/at-faculty/295