Sensorimotor Training for Concussion Prevention
(STEP AHEAD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines whether special training can help prevent concussions in ice hockey players. The goal is to determine if sensorimotor and neuromuscular exercises (a type of physical training) improve hockey skills and reduce injuries. Participants will continue their regular training and add these special exercises to assess any impact. Ice hockey players training in Calgary with Crash Conditioning between 2024 and 2026 might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance player safety and performance.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this training is safe for ice hockey players?
Research has shown that training programs focused on improving movement and coordination are generally safe for ice hockey players. One study with youth ice hockey teams found this type of training not only safe but also easy to implement, with no major reports of negative effects, indicating players handled the training well.
Another study aimed at preventing sports-related concussions also supported the safety of these training methods. Although the main focus was on effectiveness, the results suggested no significant risks to participants.
Overall, evidence suggests this type of training is safe for ice hockey players, with no major safety concerns reported.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about sensorimotor and neuromuscular training for concussion prevention because it offers a new approach to reducing concussion risk, especially in sports like ice hockey. Unlike standard off-season training that focuses mainly on strength and conditioning through drills, this method emphasizes improving balance, coordination, and body awareness. By enhancing athletes' sensorimotor skills, this training could help them better anticipate and react to potential collisions, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of concussions.
What evidence suggests that sensorimotor and neuromuscular training is effective for concussion prevention in ice hockey players?
This trial will compare sensorimotor and neuromuscular training with typical off-season training for ice hockey players. Research has shown that training focused on movement and muscle control can help reduce injuries in athletes. One study found that an 8-week program aimed at improving muscle strength and coordination after a concussion lowered the risk of future injuries. This type of training has been especially effective in reducing injuries among young athletes. Another study discovered that female athletes with previous concussions were less likely to get injured again if they participated in this training. These findings suggest that such training could be a promising way to help prevent concussions and other injuries in ice hockey players.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for ice hockey players who are in their off-season training period. Participants must consent to undergo sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) tests, follow a typical training regimen for 4 weeks, then switch to SM/NM training for another 4 weeks. They will be monitored for injuries and concussions throughout the next season.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Testing
Participants consent and complete a series of sensorimotor and neuromuscular tests
Typical Training
Participants engage in their typical off-season training for ice hockey
SM/NM Training
Participants undergo sensorimotor and neuromuscular training as part of their off-season program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for injuries and concussions over the next season and repeat tests at the start of the 2025 off-season
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sensorimotor and Neuromuscular Training
Trial Overview
The STEP AHEAD Program is testing whether specialized sensorimotor and neuromuscular training can improve ice hockey skills performance and reduce the risk of concussions and other injuries compared to typical off-season training routines.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training added in addition to typical off season ice hockey training as outlined in the typical training arm.
Typical of season training includes strength and conditioning, ice hockey on ice drills as per the Crash Conditioning typical training.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Neuromuscular training after concussion to improve motor ...
Specifically, researchers have reported NMT programs can reduce injury rates among young female athletes (Foss et al., 2018), and reduce ankle sprain injuries ...
An 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Program After ... - PubMed
An 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Program After Concussion Reduces 1-Year Subsequent Injury Risk: A Randomized Clinical Trial · Abstract.
An 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Program After ...
An 8-Week Neuromuscular Training Program After Concussion Reduces 1-Year Subsequent Injury Risk: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Neuromuscular training after concussion to improve motor and ...
To determine the feasibility of an 8-week neuromuscular training program initiated upon return-to-play clearance following concussion. Feasibility trial.
Does Neuromuscular Training Reduce the Risk of Lower- ...
Results : Ten injuries were recorded by 9 athletes. Female athletes who reported history of SRC had increased injury risk (Risk Ratio 3.9, 95% CI, 1.1–13.8, P = ...
Sensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP ...
Evaluate the effect of SM/NM training on performance of 1) system specific outcomes and 2) sport specific measures in ice hockey players.
177 Primary prevention of sport-related concussion in ...
Background Neuromuscular and sensorimotor training may reduce the risk of concussion. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a concussion ...
8.
ctv.veeva.com
ctv.veeva.com/study/sensorimotor-training-to-enhance-performance-the-step-ahead-programSensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP ...
The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of SM/NM training in ice hockey players. The specific questions include: 1) typical ...
Research Progress on Common Sports Injuries Among Youth ...
Illegal bodychecking manoeuvres cause severe injuries, and no-bodychecking policies reduced concussion rates by 50–60% in 11–12-year-old Pee Wee teams [17,18].
10.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/338491391_Primary_prevention_of_sport-related_concussion_in_youth_ice_hockey_A_pilot_randomized_controlled_trialPrimary prevention of sport-related concussion in youth ice ...
Conclusions: The implementation of a neuromuscular and sensorimotor training program with youth ice hockey teams appears safe and feasible.
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