A mandated change in goalie pad width has no effect on ice hockey goaltender hip kinematics.

OBJECTIVE

To determine hip kinematics and ground impact forces of the butterfly movement in ice hockey goaltenders for the pre-2005/06 season pads (30.5 cm) versus the current regulation width pads (27.9 cm).

DESIGN

Prospective laboratory controlled study.

SETTING

Research Institute BioMotion Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten male ice hockey goaltenders at the Midget AA level or higher.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS

The participants performed butterfly motions wearing 3 different types of leg pads in a randomized order: own 27.9 cm, standard 27.9 cm, and standard 30.5 cm. In addition, this study investigated hip kinematics and ground impact forces in the pre-2005/06 season pads versus the current regulation width pads.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Kinematics and kinetics were calculated using motion analysis software.

RESULTS

The knee ground reaction force upon landing was 1.45 ± 0.43 times the body weight. Hip internal rotation was reduced when goaltenders wore their own, previously "broken-in," set of pads as compared with the set of standard, new 27.9-cm pads (17.5 ± 4.8 vs 20.1 ± 4.8 degrees, respectively; P = 0.032). The recent mandated change in goalie pad from 30.5- to 27.9-cm width had no significant effect on hip kinematics. However, previously worn versus new pads did have an effect on hip kinematics.

CONCLUSIONS

The butterfly movement placed ice hockey goaltenders' hips at their passive limits of hip internal rotation and involved knee forces 1.45 times the body weight. The recent mandated change in goalie pad from 30.5- to 27.9-cm width had no significant effect on hip kinematics. However, previously worn versus new pads did have an effect on hip kinematics.