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purpose of this study was to analyze injuries among adult recreational
ice hockey players. This was an observational prospective cohort study
with data collected on injuries sustained during one season in the
adult recreational ice hockey leagues of Oneida County, NY. The injury
incidence rate was found to be 12.2/1000 player-exposures. The most
common anatomic region injured was the head/neck/face (35%). Collisions
were most often reported as the mechanism of injury (44%). Fracture
was the most common diagnosis. Of players wearing face protection
(full cage or shield, or partial visor/half shield), none suffered
facial injuries, while all facial injuries reported were to players
not wearing facial protection. The concussion rate was 1.1/1000 player-exposures.
A lack of protective equipment was associated with 38% of injuries
and 24% of injuries involved penalties. A history of prior injuries
was found in 89% of injured players with 28% re-injuring the same
body part. This study's findings suggested various strategies to address
player injuries such as mandatory full facial protection and shoulder
pads, strict enforcement of game rules, and game rule modifications
(no body checking). Further research is needed on the role of preventive
rehabilitation in players with previous injury history.
KEY
WORDS: Ice hockey, recreational, adult, old-timer, United States.
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