Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Kinesiology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Tom Hazell

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Second Advisor

Sam Eyles-Frayne

Advisor Role

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

The Ontario University Athletics (OUA) ice hockey season includes a mid-season exam break that interrupts regular training and competition, presenting challenges for maintaining athlete readiness and appropriately managing training load upon return to the second half of the season. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an individualized two-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention could maintain physiological internal load responses, neuromuscular performance, and subjective wellness across the OUA exam break in female varsity ice hockey players. A secondary exploratory objective was to examine differences between first-year and upper-year athletes. During the two-week off-campus period, athletes completed a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cycling intervention supplemented by strength training, followed by a progressive return to regular on- and off-ice training. Physiological internal load was assessed using Edwards Training Impulse (eTRIMP) during standardized on-ice anchor practices, neuromuscular performance was assessed using drop-jump measures of jump height, contact time, reactive strength index, and peak power, and subjective wellness was assessed using the Hooper Index. Measures were collected before athletes departed from campus, upon their return, and approximately one week after regular on- and off-ice training resumed. eTRIMP and all drop-jump performance variables were maintained across time points. Greater eTRIMP responses were observed in first year athletes which may reflect differences in training age, fitness capacity, and experience within the varsity environment.  Subjective wellness was most favourable upon return from the off-campus period and did not significantly worsen following one week of resumed training. No significant relationships were observed between eTRIMP or Hooper Index and drop-jump performance variables. These findings suggest that individualized HIIT, supplemented by strength training and a progressive return-to-training strategy, may provide a practical approach to maintaining athlete readiness across the OUA exam break. Integrating physiological, neuromuscular, and subjective monitoring measures may further support individualized training-load management during this critical transition period.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Thursday, August 30, 2029

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