Ice hockey is considered by some experts to be the fastest and most violent team sport in the world.
As its popularity increases within the United States, more ice hockey injuries are likely to occur, according to study authors Dr. Mark Pinto of the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, and colleagues. They published the following observations, as well as injury prevention suggestions in a recent issue of the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. The injury rate in the first half of the season was more than double that of the second half, implying that as players became better conditioned, injuries were less likely to occur. The investigators suggest a three-fold approach to reducing injury rates, involving physical conditioning, education, and rule enforcement. In addition, coaches, trainers and officials need to invest time educating players regarding injury prevention, as well as the proper use of safety equipment.