Equipment and Concussion in Youth Ice Hockey and Ringette

Abstract

This thesis examined equipment related to concussion prevention in youth ice hockey and ringette players. The first study examined potential equipment-related risk factors for concussion in youth ice hockey players. We considered both a prospective cohort (rate of concussion) and nested case (concussion) control (musculoskeletal injury) design (odds of concussion) for each equipment characteristic. Main results showed significant lower rates and odds of concussion for mouthguard wearers (when compared to non-wearers) and no differences in concussion likelihood for newer and older helmet ages. The second study examined the feasibility and reliability for conducting virtual helmet fit assessments in youth ice hockey and ringette players for future concussion prevention examination. The results indicated high percent agreement (≥80%) for reliability on almost all criteria for virtual assessments and barriers for assessments related to technology (e.g., camera quality) and environment (e.g., lighting). Overall, equipment may be important for concussion prevention and player safety.