Phoenix ice hockey players undergo cardiac screening at LJMU

Manchester Phoenix first team squad has taken part in a state-of-the-art cardiac screening programme at LJMU to discover the effects of ice hockey on the heart.

Phoenix has linked-up with the cardiology team from the University to assess the players throughout the season, in what is the first study of its kind for ice hockey in the UK.

Cardiac health in sport has received high profile coverage during the past few years, due to the underlying health issues of footballers such as Fabrice Muamba which have arisen during matches. Although some cardiac studies have taken place in the United States, little is known about how the intensity of ice hockey can affect the heart over a long period of time.

The entire Manchester Phoenix squad of 17 players underwent a 30 minute examination over the weekend, which included investigation into their cardiac history, an ECG to assess current cardiac activity and an echocardiogram, which provides a wealth of information on the heart itself.

Dr David Oxborough, Reader in Cardiac Physiology at LJMU, carried out the tests and commented: “Ice hockey is a sport of pure intensity which involves short bursts of activity and involves both dynamic and resistance elements which are likely to cause the heart to adapt in a positive manner. Although many studies have looked at the cardiac effects of sport on football and rugby players, little is known about ice hockey.

“Around 15 people in the UK, aged between 14 and 35, die each week due to unknown, underlying heart conditions so we want to ensure that everyone who is playing competitive sport is safe to do so. This study will also help us to compare cardiac activity in ice hockey to other sports and to see whether there are any major differences.”

A full report including all screening results will be published by a cardiologist at LJMU during the next couple of weeks to ensure that each of the players is safe to play the sport. A second screening will take place during February or March to assess whether any players’ hearts have changed during the course of the season.

Ben Brown, a former Manchester player now at Widnes Wild, is also assisting with the study as part of his Master’s degree in Sports Physiology at LJMU. Ben said: “Ice hockey has been a huge part of my life for a number of years, so I am enjoying the opportunity to combine my studies with an issue which is important to all players.”

Tony Hand, Player/Coach of the Manchester Phoenix, who took part in the screening added: “I have been playing ice hockey for nearly 30 years and it’s amazing that studies such as these haven’t taken place before. I am looking forward to seeing the results and any changes which may take place during the season.”