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NCT Number: NCT07031869

The Swedish Hockey League Hand and Wrist Injury Tracking Trial

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Register Arm Injuries Athletes Hand Injuries Injuries Prevention Wounds and Injuries Wrist Injuries

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Sweden

Falun, Dalarna County, 79182, Sweden

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Distribution and frequency of hand and wrist injuries among professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    Anatomical location (e.g., wrist, hand, fingers, thumb)

    Type of injury (e.g., fracture, dislocation, ligament injury, tendon rupture, contusion)

    Laterality (left vs. right hand)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Injury incidence by player position

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    forward, defenseman, goalie

  2. Time of injury occurrence

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    during game vs. practice; period of the game; season timing

  3. Time lost due to injury

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    number of games missed or duration of absence

  4. Severity of injury

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    The severity of the injuriy will be rated by the time to return to play in days.

    Minimal (1-3 days) Mild (4-7 days) Moderate (8-28 days) Severe (>28 days)

  5. Recurrence of injury

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    Injuries in the same anatomical region during the study period

  6. Baseline characteristics of the cohort

    Time frame: For the 2022/23 to the 2024/25 season.

    Age, stick handedness

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dalarna County Council, Sweden

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Hand and Wrist Injuries in Professional Hockey Players in Sweden: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study From the Swedish Hockey League

Acronym: SHL-HITT

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 22, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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