Clinical Research Directory

Normative Hand Grip Strength Values in Swedish Male and Female Ice Hockey Players Across Competitive Levels

This study measures hand grip strength in male and female ice hockey players across different Swedish leagues to create reference (normative) values for adult players. Hand grip strength is a simple test of how strongly a person can squeeze with their hand. Although it seems basic, it reflects overall upper-body strength and is widely used in both sports science and healthcare. In this project, players from different levels of ice hockey (including professional men's and women's leagues, junior players, and recreational players if available) will have their grip strength measured using a standardized hand dynamometer. Measurements will be taken in a consistent way across all participating clubs. The main goal is to build a reference database showing what "normal" grip strength looks like in ice hockey players depending on sex, league level, and playing position. This can help coaches, medical staff, and researchers better understand strength profiles in hockey athletes, support training and rehabilitation decisions, and provide benchmarks for future studies. No treatment or intervention is given as part of the study.

Stability of Hand Grip Strength Across a Competitive Season in Elite Male and Female Ice Hockey Players

This study examines how hand grip strength changes over the course of a competitive ice hockey season in elite male and female players. Hand grip strength is a simple and widely used measure of upper-body strength and functional capacity. It is often used in sports science and clinical settings, but it is unclear whether grip strength remains stable throughout a season or changes depending on training load, match exposure, and fatigue. In this study, elite ice hockey players from Swedish teams will have their grip strength measured at four timepoints during one season: pre-season, early season, mid-season, and late season. Both dominant and non-dominant hand strength will be assessed using a standardized dynamometer and protocol. The main purpose is to determine how much grip strength varies within individual players over time and whether a single measurement can be considered representative of a player's true strength level across a season. The study will also evaluate the reliability of grip strength measurements and whether observed changes are large enough to be meaningful in a clinical or performance context. No intervention is performed, and all measurements are non-invasive and conducted as part of routine testing environments within participating teams.

The Leksand Hockey Trial on Grip Strength

This project, titled The Leksand Hockey Trial on Grip Strength, investigates whether grip strength is related to performance in professional hockey players. Grip strength is already known to reflect general health and muscle function, and it plays a key role in ice hockey, where players rely on strong hands and forearms for stick handling, shooting, and physical challenges on the ice. Despite this, no clinical study has yet explored whether stronger grip strength leads to better on-ice performance. In this pilot study, we will first examine if there is a correlation between grip strength and key performance indicators such as game score (a combined measure of offensive and defensive contribution), number of shots on goal, and shooting precision. Grip strength will be measured using a standardized protocol and professional players from SHL, SDHL, and HockeyAllsvenskan will be included. Performance data will be collected before and after the grip strength assessment. Additionally, injuries sustained during the study period will be recorded and monitored as an outcome measure. We will investigate whether there is any correlation between grip strength and injury incidence to assess if stronger grip strength may influence injury risk or resilience in professional hockey players. In the second part of the study, players will follow a grip-strength training program to determine whether improvements in grip strength lead to better performance. If a link is found, grip strength could be used as a simple and reliable proxy for player performance and may justify the inclusion of specific grip training in professional hockey conditioning programs. This study aims to fill a knowledge gap in elite sports science and could help optimize training and evaluation methods in professional ice hockey.

The Prevalence of Hand Joint Hypermobility and Its Relationship With Grip Strength Among University Students.

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of hand joint hypermobility among 400 university students and its relationship with hand grip strength. MCP joint mobility was assessed using a universal goniometer, and grip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Participants were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe hypermobility groups.

Investigating the Feasibility of Krill Oil Intervention to Improve Muscle Function in Adults With Long-term Conditions

This study will recruit 30 adults (men and women, aged 18 years and over) who will be randomly assigned to one of two groups in a 12-week double-blind pilot trial. Participants will receive either: * Arm 1: Krill Oil group: 4 g/day of krill oil supplements (Superba™ Antarctic Krill Oil, 1000 mg capsules), or * Arm 2: Control group: 4 g/day of placebo (vegetable oil capsules). Participants will be instructed to maintain their usual diet and physical activity patterns throughout the study. Eligibility will be assessed using a health screening questionnaire, completed with the researcher's assistance, before obtaining informed consent. Habitual physical activity will be evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form), and dietary intake will be assessed with the EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at both the beginning and end of the study. In addition, participants will record their fish consumption weekly using a dedicated logbook. Measurements will be taken at baseline and after 12 weeks, including: * Blood samples to assess inflammatory and metabolic markers. * Anthropometry and body composition, including weight, height, fat mass, fat percentage, and muscle mass (via ultrasound). * Muscle strength, measured using handgrip strength and maximal voluntary contraction (each performed three times with rest between attempts). * Physical performance, assessed with a 4-meter walk test at normal speed Upon completing the study, participants will receive a £50 voucher in appreciation of their contribution.