The effects of hockey protective equipment on high-intensity intermittent exercise

To examine the impact of hockey protective equipment on thermal and fluid homeostasis and power output, during a high-intensity, intermittent, exercise protocol. We hypothesized that protective equipment would increase core temperature and reduce sprint power after a simulated hockey game.

Eight men (26.8 +/- 1.7 yr) performed a repeated sprint test before and at the completion of a prolonged intermittent exercise protocol (game simulation) on a cycle ergometer under typical hockey ambient conditions. Reduction in exercise performance was calculated by comparing the pre- and postgame repeated sprint power outputs. The protocol was performed twice; once while wearing cotton undergarments only (NOPADS), and once while wearing cotton undergarments and the typical protective equipment worn during a hockey game (PADS).

During the simulated game, skin temperatures (34.12 +/- 0.24 degrees C vs 28.85 +/- 0.31 degrees C) and core temperature accumulated area under the curve (70.85 +/- 8.52 vs 48.21 +/- 3.05 degrees C.min) were elevated in PADS versus NOPADS, respectively (P < 0.05). Sweat loss as a percent of body mass was greater in PADS versus NOPAD, as were working and recovery heart rates. Plasma lactate concentration was also higher after the simulated game in PADS versus NOPADS (9.64 vs 5.96 mM, P < 0.05). When comparing post- with pregame sprint power output, both peak and mean power outputs were reduced in PADS (P < 0.05), whereas NOPADS values were unchanged.

Reduced power output at the completion of the simulated game in PADS was attributed to an elevated body temperature, dehydration, and a greater accumulation of blood lactate.