The Swedish Hockey League Hand and Wrist Injury Tracking Trial (SHL-HITT)

Dalarna County Council, Sweden

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Prevention; Injuries; Wrist Injuries; Hand Injuries; Athletes; Register

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07031869

2025-01728-01 (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study, titled Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL-HITT), aims to deliver a comprehensive national overview of hand and wrist injuries among professional hockey players.

These injuries are relatively common-accounting for approximately 16% of all hockey-related injuries-and can range from minor issues to severe conditions that jeopardize player performance and careers due to prolonged absences or lasting impairment. Despite their significance, there is limited detailed knowledge regarding the specific patterns, mechanisms, and consequences of hand and wrist injuries at the elite level.

Utilizing data from a nationwide injury registry, this observational cohort study will cover three full SHL seasons: 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. The dataset is expected to include approximately 2,300 games, encompassing both regular season and playoff matches. The study will examine injury characteristics such as type (e.g., fractures, soft tissue damage), player position, in-game timing, and additional contextual factors. Statistical analyses will be conducted to identify trends, correlations, and potential risk profiles among different player groups or positions.

The findings are expected to support the development of enhanced protective equipment and targeted prevention strategies, ultimately contributing to reduced injury incidence and improved athlete health and career sustainability.

The study timeline includes preparation in late 2024, with data collection already ongoing and ethical approval obtained. The analysis will begin following the publication of the study protocol, and we aim for final publication of results in the second half of 2025.

Full description

This nationwide observational cohort study, titled Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study from the Swedish Hockey League (SHL-HITT), aims to systematically characterize the epidemiology and distribution of hand and wrist injuries among elite ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Given that upper extremity injuries constitute a significant proportion of hockey-related trauma, with approximately 16% involving the forearm, wrist, and hand, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature regarding the incidence, nature, and severity of these injuries in professional athletes. Utilizing registry data collected since the 2022/23 SHL season, including detailed player baseline characteristics, injury diagnoses classified by ICD codes, and contextual game data, the study will employ descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to elucidate patterns of fracture and soft tissue injuries. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating injury mechanisms relative to player position and game situations. Statistical methods will include Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and parametric or non-parametric tests as appropriate, with significance set at p<0.05. Findings from this study are expected to contribute valuable insights for the development of evidence-based injury prevention strategies and tailored protective interventions aimed at reducing the burden of hand and wrist injuries, thereby potentially enhancing player safety and performance outcomes in professional ice hockey.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Professional ice hockey players actively rostered in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during the 2022/23 season and onwards.
• Players with recorded forearm, hand or wrist injuries documented in the SHL injury register.

Exclusion criteria

• Players not officially signed to an SHL team during the study period.
• Injuries occurring outside the forearm, hand or wrist region.
• Incomplete or missing injury data in the registry.

Trial design

200 participants in 1 patient group

SHL players with hand/wrist injuries from all games in 2022/23-2024/25 seasons

Description:

The study cohort will consist of all registered professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) who have sustained a hand or wrist injury during official SHL games over the course of three full seasons: 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. This includes players from all 14 teams in the league. In total, the study is expected to cover approximately 2,300-2,350 games, including both regular season and playoff matches across the three seasons. All injuries recorded in the SHL's centralized medical injury registry, maintained by the Swedish Medical Association for Ice Hockey, will be included. This registry captures detailed information reported by team medical staff during each season. The cohort will include: All SHL players active during the 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25 seasons. Players of all positions (forwards, defensemen, goalkeepers) and age groups. All injuries coded under relevant ICD classifications for trauma to the elbow, forearm, wrist, and han