Torque developed at simulated sliding between sport shoes and an artificial turf

Rotation torque is known to be one of many factors affecting the risk of injury in athletics. Experiments were performed to examine the torque and friction on different sport shoes when sliding on an artificial turf. An apparatus was constructed in which it is possible to measure simultaneously the torque and the frictional force developed when a shoe slides on a surface. Measurements were made for 25 different shoes on an artificial turf. The frictional force was independent of the speed in the range 1 to 5 m/s. The torque was dependent on the physical distribution of the texture of the sole and slightly dependent on the frictional force. The results indicate that the physical distribution of the sole at the heel and toe, as well as the material, is of great importance for the torque developed.