The aim of this investigation was to quantify the acute effects of the execution of the physical performance tests within the ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) on shooting performance. Thirty-four professional male ice hockey players with an average of 6.9 years of playing experience were recruited. The slap shot (SS) was found to accelerate the puck with a higher speed and greater precision. After the IHCT, the maximum puck speed of successful goal shots decreased considerably (p < 0.001, d > 1.5). The puck speed percentage decrement after the IHCT did not differ between the SS (6.1, SD = 4.4, −5.5–17.9) and the wrist shot (WS, 6.0, SD = 3.5, −0.9–12.2, p = 0.86, d = 0.03). The magnitude of puck speed reduction in the WS was inversely related to the functional heart rate reserve (r = −0.44, p = 0.02) and the blood lactate elimination rate (r = −0.43, p < 0.02). The linear and COD speed tests on-ice resulted in a higher amount of successful goal shots. These findings highlight the interaction of intense on-ice testing and goal-shooting performance.

Background: Oral health (OH) has been linked to overall health status and common physical performance (PP). Aim: The objective was to compare the OH and PP of two third league professional team players from different sports (soccer, ice hockey). Methods: Twenty-nine professional soccer players (mean ± standard deviation; age: 24.3 ± 4.1 years) and twenty-one ice hockey players (age: 27.7 ± 3.6 years) were investigated regarding several dental scores (DMFT, PSI, API, PBI) by one calibrated examiner. The PP diagnostic includes measurement of grip strength as well as postural stability and regulation using posturography. Results: Concerning dental scores, relevant sport-specific differences for PSI (1 vs. 2; p < 0.001), API (29 vs. 48; p = 0.001), and PBI (14 vs. 42; p < 0.001) in favor of soccer players were found. Ice hockey players reported significantly more tension of the temporomandibular joint (p = 0.004) and showed lower readiness for regular check-ups (p < 0.001) and additional oral hygiene (p = 0.045). In contrast, ice hockey players were more balanced and displayed a higher level of weight distribution (p < 0.001), especially in the anterior-posterior direction (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Based on more intensive oral hygiene and dental care, the investigated professional soccer players showed partially better OH conditions compared to the ice hockey players examined. In summary, the OH and PP results reflect the different sport-specific requirements and related training impacts on athletes.

Background /Objectives: Mobility screening is standard practice in hospitalized geriatric patients, but clinical assessments alone may not fully capture functional capacity and related risks. This study aimed to describe the physical performance (gait analysis, postural stability and regulation) and clinical–functional status (e.g., Tinetti [TIN], Barthel Index [BI]) in geriatric inpatients, and to explore associations between measures from different domains. Methods: Fifty-five geriatric inpatients (mean age: 84.3 ± 5.47 years, range: 71–97; 49% female) underwent spatiotemporal gait analysis (inertial sensor system/RehaGait) and posturography (Interactive Balance System). Clinical assessments included TIN, BI, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Gait and postural data were compared with age-, sex-, and height-adjusted reference values. Results: Clinical data indicated a low fall risk (TIN: 24), moderate functional independence (BI: 54), and moderate frailty (CFS: 5). Deviations from reference values were more frequent in gait parameters (18/50%) than in postural parameters (6/17%), with postural stability consistently reduced. The largest differences for the geriatric patients compared with the reference gait data were found for stride length, walking speed, double and single support, roll-off angle, and landing angle. TIN showed the strongest correlation with walking speed (r = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–0.67), a relationship unaffected by gender (partial r = 0.52). Conclusions: Gait assessment revealed greater performance deficits than postural measures in this cohort.