Risk factors for injury and severe injury in youth ice hockey: a systematic review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for injury in youth ice hockey (ie, body checking, age, player position, player experience and level of play).


METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis.


METHODS
A systematic review of the literature, including a meta-analysis component was completed. Ten electronic databases and the American Society for Testing and Materials Safety in Ice Hockey series (volumes 1-4) were systematically searched with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify articles examining risk factors for injury in youth ice hockey.


RESULTS
Participation in games, compared with practices, was associated with an increased risk of injury in all studies examined. Age, level of play and player position produced inconsistent findings. Body checking was identified as a significant risk factor for all injuries (summary rate ratio: 2.45; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.6) and concussion (summary odds ratio: 1.71; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.44).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings regarding most risk factors for injury remain inconclusive; however, body checking was found to be associated with an increased risk of injury. Policy implications regarding delaying body checking to older age groups and to only the most elite levels requires further rigorous investigation.
Emery
Carolyn A
CA
University of Calgary, Canada. caemery@ucalgary.ca
Hagel
Brent
B
Decloe
Melissa
M
Carly
McKay
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006688:Hockey / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control