Using grounded theory analysis to subjectively assess ice hockey skate satisfaction in female players
Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Ice hockey skates provide on-ice optimal performance and protection. Ice hockey skate manufacturers market skates as unisex, however anatomical, and biomechanical differences in female versus male players exist. There is a lack of sufficient study on skate design characteristics and preferences in female ice hockey players. The purpose of this research was to determine the scope of female hockey players' needs related to ice hockey skates and create an improved skate design concept as a result. Participants from The University of Delaware women’s hockey completed open-ended interviews discussing their needs and concerns about their current hockey skates. The interview data was then coded using the grounded theory method to categorize the data into main themes that are prevalent throughout the data. The themes included areas of pain, modifications made to skates, skate preferences, buying guidelines, comfort aspects of the skate, and time for pain to subside. Likert scale questions were coded to examine the athlete’s perceived thoughts on pain with hockey skate use. This data enabled us to create a design concept that may serve as a guide for manufacturers to develop female hockey skates optimal for better on-ice performance. The concept focused on shape, design features, comfort, modifications, and materials. The design concept was presented to the design team at CCM to determine the viability, feasibility, and commercial translation of the prototypes. CCM presented multiple solutions for fixing discomfit/pain in the toe box area, such as widening the toe box or elongating the toe box. As well as creating an insole with more cushion under the ball of the foot and in the arch. CCM felt that fixing the toe box would be feasible although it would take some time to commercialize the changes, as for the insole it would be an easy after-market product that could be made in a few months.
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Keywords
Female players, Ice hockey skates, Grounded theory method, Skate design concept, Toe box