Breaking the ice: exploring sex-based variations in the mechanics of ice hockey slap shots.

Authors

Ethan W C Wilkie, Samuel Tremblay, Philippe J Renaud, Shawn M Robbins

Published in

Sports biomechanics. Pages 1-16. Sep 08, 2025. Epub Sep 08, 2025.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare joint angles and spatiotemporal variables between male and female ice hockey players during skating slap shots. Thirty-nine collegiate players (25 men, 14 women) participated. Kinematic data were collected using a Xsens 17-inertial measurement system. Key variables included joint angles for the trunk, upper, and lower extremities, as well as temporal measures for shot execution time, and the backswing, downswing, and follow-through phases. Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was applied to analyse sex-based differences in joint kinematics. Temporal data were compared using two-way ANOVAs. Results indicated that males exhibited longer backswing and downswing phases, contributing to longer overall shot execu- 20 tion times. Males also demonstrated greater trunk flexion and lead shoulder flexion, while females showed more lead shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, and trail wrist extension during the backswing and downswing phases. These findings highlight the influence of anatomical and strength differences on slap shot mechanics. Considering sex-specific biomechanical differences in the development of training regimens and equipment design may enhance performance and development in ice hockey for all.

PMID:
40920140
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 08 Sep 2025.

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