Epidemiology of women's recreational ice hockey injuries

Introduction: Participation in ice hockey by women is increasing in many pa rts of North America; however, research into injuries and the patterns of i njury among female players associated with this activity is limited. Purpos e: The purpose of this research was to examine the incidence and nature of injuries suffered by female recreational ice hockey players, Methods: This prospective study followed 314 female players from 33 teams in Edmonton, Ca nada, during the 1997-1998 hockey season. Injury and game attendance data w ere collected using monthly telephone interviews throughout the season. Dia gnostic information for individuals who received medical treatment was soli cited from the attending health professional. Results: A total of 102 playe rs reported a total of 125 injuries for a rare 7.5 injuries/1000 player exp osures. The anatomic region most often injured was the lower extremity (31. 2%), and the most common diagnosis was sprain/strain (52.0%). The predomina nt injury mechanism was player contact, either as a result of collision wit h another player or a body check (40.0%). Of all injuries, 65.6% occurred d uring league games, 27.2% during play-off, tournament, or exhibition games, and 7.2% during practices. Although less than 1% of injuries resulted in h ospitalization, 17.6% of injuries resulted in an absence from hockey of 8 o r more days. Conclusion: The diagnostic and anatomic distribution of injury in the women's hockey league was similar to that in leagues where full fac ial protection is mandatory. The observed injury rate was lower than the ra tes reported for male recreational and collegiate ice hockey players. Femal e recreational ice hockey players are at risk for injuries and further rese arch is required to identify areas for injury prevention.