Ice Hockey PlayersSTEP AHEADNCT07402746
Sensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP AHEAD Program
A study testing sensorimotor and neuromuscular training and Typical off season ice hockey training in people with Ice Hockey Players, run by Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of SM/NM training in ice hockey players. The specific questions include: 1) typical performance on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) tests 2) evaluate SM/NM training on ice hockey skills performance and SM/NM tests, 3) evaluate SM/NM control to prevent concussions… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Ice Hockey Players
- What is being tested?
- sensorimotor and neuromuscular training and Typical off season ice hockey training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 250 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 18 May 2024to Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 12 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
None listed.
Who cannot join
- N/A
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Concussion Rehabilitation Laboratory
Calgary, Alberta, T2N1N4
Kathryn Schneider, PT, PhD, 4033892245, kjschnei@ucalgary.ca
Michaela Chadder, MSc, 4032205635, michaela.chadder@ucalgary.ca
About this study
The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of SM/NM training in ice hockey players. The specific questions include: 1) typical performance on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) tests 2) evaluate SM/NM training on ice hockey skills performance and SM/NM tests, 3) evaluate SM/NM control to prevent concussions and injuries
Participants will:
Read more
Consent and complete a series of SM/NM tests. Participate in their typical training for 4 weeks. Repeat the SM/NM tests. Participate in SM/NM training for 4 weeks as part of their off season training program.
Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills testing. Record any injuries and concussions that they sustain over the next season. Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills tests at the start of the 2025 off season training (estimated May - July of 2025).
Read the detailed description
Rationale:
While sensorimotor function is recognized as an important aspect of growth and development, little is known about specific changes in sensorimotor control with sport specific training. Similarly, the relationship between sensorimotor control and sport-specific performance is not yet well understood. Specific rehabilitation exercises have been shown to improve sensorimotor control, many of which are context specific and may also prevent injury and/or concussion. The effect of age on these outcomes and the relationship between training sensorimotor control and age is also not well understood. Thus, evaluation of sensorimotor control outcomes across ages, the effects of sensorimotor training on sensorimotor control and performance is needed and may inform changes to recommendations for sport-specific training.
Ultimately, understanding the effect of training specific sensorimotor systems (which is not a part of typical sport training environments) will inform multiple areas of sport including: 1) Sport-specific performance 2) typical development of SM/NM function, 3) the effect of SM/NM training on SM/NM measures and ice hockey specific physical performance and 4) injury and concussion prevention strategies.
Therefore, the objectives of this study are to:
- Describe age and sex specific typical scores on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (proprioception, movement related, balance, vision, divided attention) and ice hockey specific physical performance measures over one off season of training.
- Evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training program on ice hockey skills performance.
- Evaluate sensorimotor control as a means to improve safety in sport:
- Evaluate the effect of SM/NM training on concussion and injury risk.
- Evaluate the effect of previous concussion and injury on sensorimotor function.
- Evaluate the effect of SM/NM training on performance of 1) system specific outcomes and 2) sport specific measures in ice hockey players.
- Conditions
- Ice Hockey Players
- Being tested
- sensorimotor and neuromuscular training, Typical off season ice hockey training
- Keywords
- training, Sensorimotor, Neuromuscular, Prevention
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
sensorimotor and neuromuscular trainingOther
Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training exercises aimed at training the cervical spine neuromuscular control, vestibular system and oculomotor system in addition to ice hockey specific training the incorporates higher level integrated functional activities of these integrated systems. This will be performed at the same frequency as their typical training - four days per week in the gym, one day of yoga or recovery as well as on ice sessions.
Typical off season ice hockey trainingOther
Typical training for ice hockey players off season
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training | Experimental | Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training added in addition to typical off season ice hockey training as outlined in the typical training arm. Receives: Other: sensorimotor and neuromuscular training; Other: Typical off season ice hockey training |
| Typical off season training | Active comparator | Typical of season training includes strength and conditioning, ice hockey on ice drills as per the Crash Conditioning typical training. Receives: Other: Typical off season ice hockey training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Craniocervical flexion
mmHg, the ability of the participant to perform a craniovertebral flexion task in a controlled way and maintain the position for a minimum of 3 seconds.
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Dynamic Visual Acuity
logMAR, Represents the ability of the patient to see clearly with head motion as per Schneider et al 2019=8
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS)
Symptom provocation on tests of vestibulo ocular and oculomotor function, rated on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10= the worse imaginable, Mucha et al 2014
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Advanced Functional Gait Assessment
/48, 16 tests of dynamic balance each rated on a scale of 0-3 with 0 repress unable to complete the task and 3 is able to perfectly complete the task.
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Transition Agility Skate
Seconds, Outcome of the transition agility skate on the Hockey Canada skills test
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Secondary outcomes (10)
Cervical spine range of motion
1=full range of motion, 0=limited range of motion
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Anterolateral flexion strength
kilograms (kg), average of three trials in a rotated position to either the right or left and defined according to the position of the head
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
cervical flexor endurance test
Seconds, the length of time the participant can lift the head in craniovertebral flexion
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
cervical flexion rotation test
1=positive, 0=negative, a measure of upper cervical spine dysfunction with a positive test suggesting cervicogenic headache, limited range of motion in full flexion by >20 degrees, measured to the right and left
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
head perturbation test
0-8/8; ability of the individual to maintain their head in a neutral position when an external force of 5lbs is applied
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Head thrust test
Positive = 1, Negative =0, Ability of the eyes to maintain a fixed position on a target with rapid head motion
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Headache
Headache 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10=worst symptom imaginable
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Dizziness Rating Scale (NDRS) Dizziness
dizziness 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10=worst symptom imaginable
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Neck pain
neck pain 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10=worst symptom imaginable
Measured: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Concussion
Defined as per the Amsterdam International Consensus on Concussion in Sport
Measured: yearly, up to 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Feb 2026
- Study start18 May 2024
- Primary completionJul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Ice Hockey PlayersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Model description
- Initial control intervention for four weeks of typical off season training followed by a second step where the sensorimotor and neuromuscular training is introduced.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, KSchneider, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07402746
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STEP AHEAD
- Acronym
- STEP AHEAD
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jul 2024
- Last updated
- 11 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Sensorimotor Training to Enhance Performance - the STEP AHEAD Program
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07402746
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STEP AHEAD / STEP AHEAD
- Conditions
- Ice Hockey Players
- Keywords
- training, Sensorimotor, Neuromuscular, Prevention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Sport Injury Prevention Research CentreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of SM/NM training in ice hockey players. The specific questions include: 1) typical performance on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (SM/NM) tests 2) evaluate SM/NM training on ice hockey skills performance and SM/NM tests, 3) evaluate SM/NM control to prevent concussions and injuries
Participants will:
Consent and complete a series of SM/NM tests. Participate in their typical training for 4 weeks. Repeat the SM/NM tests. Participate in SM/NM training for 4 weeks as part of their off season training program.
Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills testing. Record any injuries and concussions that they sustain over the next season. Repeat the SM/NM tests and on ice skills tests at the start of the 2025 off season training (estimated May - July of 2025).
Detailed description
Rationale:
While sensorimotor function is recognized as an important aspect of growth and development, little is known about specific changes in sensorimotor control with sport specific training. Similarly, the relationship between sensorimotor control and sport-specific performance is not yet well understood. Specific rehabilitation exercises have been shown to improve sensorimotor control, many of which are context specific and may also prevent injury and/or concussion. The effect of age on these outcomes and the relationship between training sensorimotor control and age is also not well understood. Thus, evaluation of sensorimotor control outcomes across ages, the effects of sensorimotor training on sensorimotor control and performance is needed and may inform changes to recommendations for sport-specific training.
Ultimately, understanding the effect of training specific sensorimotor systems (which is not a part of typical sport training environments) will inform multiple areas of sport including: 1) Sport-specific performance 2) typical development of SM/NM function, 3) the effect of SM/NM training on SM/NM measures and ice hockey specific physical performance and 4) injury and concussion prevention strategies.
Therefore, the objectives of this study are to:
- Describe age and sex specific typical scores on sensorimotor and neuromuscular (proprioception, movement related, balance, vision, divided attention) and ice hockey specific physical performance measures over one off season of training.
- Evaluate the effects of a sensorimotor training program on ice hockey skills performance.
- Evaluate sensorimotor control as a means to improve safety in sport:
- Evaluate the effect of SM/NM training on concussion and injury risk.
- Evaluate the effect of previous concussion and injury on sensorimotor function.
- Evaluate the effect of SM/NM training on performance of 1) system specific outcomes and 2) sport specific measures in ice hockey players.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Initial control intervention for four weeks of typical off season training followed by a second step where the sensorimotor and neuromuscular training is introduced.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training | Experimental | Other: sensorimotor and neuromuscular training, Other: Typical off season ice hockey trainingSensorimotor and neuromuscular training added in addition to typical off season ice hockey training as outlined in the typical training arm. |
| Typical off season training | Active comparator | Other: Typical off season ice hockey trainingTypical of season training includes strength and conditioning, ice hockey on ice drills as per the Crash Conditioning typical training. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (0 listed)
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- N/A
- -
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| sensorimotor and neuromuscular trainingSensorimotor and neuromuscular training exercises aimed at training the cervical spine neuromuscular control, vestibular system and oculomotor system in addition to ice hockey specific training the incorporates higher level integrated functional activities of these integrated systems. This will be performed at the same frequency as their typical training - four days per week in the gym, one day of yoga or recovery as well as on ice sessions. | Other | Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training |
| Typical off season ice hockey trainingTypical training for ice hockey players off season | Other | Sensorimotor and neuromuscular training, Typical off season training |
Primary outcome
Craniocervical flexion
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
mmHg, the ability of the participant to perform a craniovertebral flexion task in a controlled way and maintain the position for a minimum of 3 seconds.
Dynamic Visual Acuity
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
logMAR, Represents the ability of the patient to see clearly with head motion as per Schneider et al 2019=8
Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen (VOMS)
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Symptom provocation on tests of vestibulo ocular and oculomotor function, rated on a scale of 0-10 where 0=no symptoms and 10= the worse imaginable, Mucha et al 2014
Advanced Functional Gait Assessment
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
/48, 16 tests of dynamic balance each rated on a scale of 0-3 with 0 repress unable to complete the task and 3 is able to perfectly complete the task.
Transition Agility Skate
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Seconds, Outcome of the transition agility skate on the Hockey Canada skills test
10 secondary outcomes
Cervical spine range of motion
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Anterolateral flexion strength
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
cervical flexor endurance test
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
cervical flexion rotation test
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
head perturbation test
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Head thrust test
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Headache
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Dizziness Rating Scale (NDRS) Dizziness
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Neck pain
Time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years
Concussion
Time frame: yearly, up to 2 years
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing sensorimotor and neuromuscular training and Typical off season ice hockey training in people with Ice Hockey Players, run by Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 0 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kathryn Schneider, PT, PhD (4033892245, kjschnei@ucalgary.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Craniocervical flexion (time frame: 0 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks each year, up to 2 years). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Feb 2026.