Effects of Support Surface and Shooting Action on Muscle Activity of Trunk Muscles in Ice Hockey Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different support surfaces on trunk muscle activity during slap shots and wrist shots in ice hockey players by analyzing muscle activation patterns across varying conditions. Methods: A total of 22 healthy male collegiate ice hockey players participated in this study. Ice hockey players were assessed for muscle activity in their trunk muscles (rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae). Each player performed a slap shot and wrist shot on solid ground, a slap shot and wrist shot on ice, and a skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice. Data from a 3 s interval, excluding the first and last second of the 5 s measurement period, were used for analysis. All electromyography signals were normalized using maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: Significant differences were found in all muscles except for the external oblique, depending on the support surface and shooting method. (p < 0.05). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis was significantly greater for the slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the slap shot and wrist shot on the ground, and the slap shot and skating slap shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground (p < 0.05). The internal oblique was significantly higher for slap shots and wrist shots on ice than for slap shots and wrist shots on the ground (p < 0.05). The erector spinae was significantly greater for the skating slap shot and wrist shot on ice than for the wrist shot on the ground, and the skating slap shot on ice was significantly greater than the skating wrist shot on ice (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To enhance the shooting efficiency of ice hockey players competing on ice, exercises on unstable surfaces and targeted trunk muscle training are considered to be effective.