Researchers in the University of Alberta Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation looked at a National Hockey League team over a 26-year cycle and discovered players have become bigger and fitter.
The research team studied 703 players from a Canadian-based NHL team from 1979 to 2005. The physiological profile derived from their research shows that over the 26 seasons, defencemen became taller and heavier as body mass increased; forwards got younger and had higher peak aerobic power outputs for cardio-respiratory endurance, while goalies were shorter and more flexible and had lower peak aerobic power outputs. All players combined (defence, forwards and goaltenders) increased body mass, height and anaerobic power over the 26 years.
The physiological changes the research uncovered aren’t surprising, says Art Quinney, lead researcher and a professor emeritus of exercise physiology at the U of A.
“It’s common in many sports that have a power component that the larger, stronger, faster players develop greater power and they’re more successful based on performance. The game has changed over the years and those who are bigger and have additional strength and power are more successful. With changes in rules, however, smaller and faster players also have a place in the NHL.”
Researchers also looked at players’ fitness levels in successful and non-successful years-defined as those in which the team did or did not win a Stanley Cup or were in the playoffs-and found that fitness levels were not related to team performance.
“One of the things that was clear to me was that fitness is very important, but highly skilled players coming together at particular times of the year is far more important,” said Quinney. “There are many factors at play when it comes to the success of a team that aren’t measured in a fitness appraisal.”
The research was published recently in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.
East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA - January 22, 2010 - Charles Poliquin’s world-renowned expertise in strength and wellness will be featured in a regular column for Arnold Palmer’s Kingdom magazine. This regular feature will offer many new job and networking opportunities to those coaches who are current in their certification by the Poliquin International Certification Program (PICP).
A high-quality print magazine published three times a year, Kingdom will reach more than 130,000 private members and is available at the more than 300 golf courses designed by Mr. Palmer. Named after its founder, Arnold Palmer, who is nicknamed “The King,” Kingdom is promoted as a communication tool that will strengthen the sense of community for an affluent golfing audience.
Founded in 2003, Kingdom exceeds 200 pages per issue and covers all aspects of the game. Topics include reviews of championship courses, news about the latest golf equipment and apparel, and exclusive one-on-one interviews with the top players in the game. The articles are written by the most accomplished names in golf journalism, and in fact one of the regular contributors is Donald Trump, with his “Trump Talks Golf” column.
Considered the most accomplished strength coach in the world, Coach Poliquin has extended his knowledge to elite trainers through his PICP certification and Special Consideration Training series. PICP coaches work in over 57 countries, helping their clients achieve the highest levels of athletic and physical fitness in the shortest time possible. In 2009 Coach Poliquin opened an elite educational facility in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, that includes a 5,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning performance center and 2,000-square-foot multi- media classroom. His multi-lingual website, CharlesPoliquin.com, is regularly viewed by individuals in more than 125 countries.
Coach Poliquin’s contributions to Kingdom magazine will provide a networking vehicle for those golfers seeking the best strength and conditioning coaches in the world .
This section of the Prentiss Hockey site will be a source of updates relating to PHP athletes and their successes on and off the ice. Other information about training and nutrition will also be included. Enjoy!