How Strength & Movement Training Can Improve Hockey Performance and Prevent Injury

Based on new research published in Frontiers in Physiology (2025)

Staying active, strong, and injury-free is important for everyone — whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend hockey player, or someone who simply wants to move confidently in daily life. A new research study published in 2025 looked at how functional strength training can improve speed, agility, and overall performance in young hockey players. The results reinforce something we see every day at Physical Edge Physiotherapy in Oakville Ontario: the right combination of strength, stability, and movement training can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform.

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What the Study Looked At

The study followed 43 youth hockey players over 12 weeks. One group completed a structured strength and movement program twice per week, while the other group continued with their usual training.

At the end of the 12 weeks, the athletes who completed the functional training program showed:

• Faster skating speed

• Better agility and change-of-direction control

• Improved movement quality

• More efficient overall performance

These improvements came from a program that focused on building strength, core stability, balance, and proper movement patterns — all things that physiotherapists emphasize in rehab and performance programs.

Why This Matters for You

Even if you’re not a hockey player, these findings are important. They show that improving how your body moves can make activity feel easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Functional strength and movement training can help:

• Reduce your risk of common injuries

• Improve balance and stability

• Increase confidence during sport or workouts

• Support your return to activity after an injury

• Boost performance in running, skating, cycling, lifting, or everyday movement

This is one of the core principles behind modern physiotherapy. It’s not only about treating pain — it’s about helping you move better long-term.

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How Physical Edge Physiotherapy Uses These Principles

At Physical Edge, we use the same evidence-based approach highlighted in the study. Your physiotherapist will:

1. Assess How Your Body Moves

We look at your strength, balance, flexibility, and movement patterns to understand what’s causing your pain or limiting your performance.

2. Build a Personalized Strength & Movement Program

Your plan is tailored to your sport, activity level, injuries, and goals — whether that’s skating faster, lifting safely, or simply walking without discomfort.

3. Use Hands-On Treatment When Needed

Manual therapy, soft tissue work, and mobility techniques help reduce tightness, improve alignment, and support better movement.

4. Progress Your Training Over Time

As you get stronger and more confident, we keep building on your program to help you maintain improvements and prevent future issues.

What This Means for Patients

This study shows what many of our patients already experience: When you strengthen the right muscles and improve how your body moves, you perform better and feel better — at every age and activity level.

You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. Anyone recovering from injury, dealing with recurring pain, or wanting to move with more ease can gain from this approach.

Ready to Move Better?

If you’re looking to increase strength, improve performance, or prevent injury, our team at Physical Edge Physiotherapy is here to help.

Book an appointment or give us a call — we’d love to help you feel stronger, more stable, and more confident in everything you do.

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