Does functional strength training program improve ice speed and agility in young elite ice hockey players? Functional strength training's impact on hockey performance.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a functional strength training (FST) program on ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players.

Methods

Forty-three ice hockey players, aged 15-18 years participated in the study. The athletes were randomly assigned to either a functional strength training group (FSTG), which completed an additional FST program consisting of two 60-min training sessions per week, or a control group (CG), which participated in other team games and swimming sessions, each lasting 60 min. Ice skating speed was assessed using the professional Smart Speed measurement system in forward and backward skating tests over 5, 15, and 30 m, as well as in an agility test.

Results

The intervention elicited significant perf

SUBMITTER: Bieniec A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11936901 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature