Influence of Artificial Turf Surface Stiffness on Athlete Performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Surface properties, particularly stiffness, are known to influence athletic performance.
• The effect of artificial turf stiffness on athlete performance remains under-researched despite widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of artificial turf surface stiffness on athlete performance.
• To quantify changes in performance metrics and subjective feedback across varying stiffness levels.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen male athletes performed running, agility, vertical jumping, and sprinting on five artificial turf surfaces with controlled stiffness variations.
• Performance metrics (running economy, jump height, sprint/agility time) and kinematic data were collected.
• Athletes provided subjective evaluations of surface cushioning and comfort.

Main Results:

• Performance improvements were observed on softer surfaces for running (Softer, Soft), agility (Softest), and vertical jumping (Soft) compared to the control surface.
• The stiffest surface was subjectively rated as harder and less comfortable.
• Athletes could not differentiate subjectively between the softer surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Artificial turf surface stiffness demonstrably alters athletic performance, with specific improvements noted on softer surfaces for certain movements.
• Subjective comfort is negatively impacted by increased stiffness.
• The relationship between surface stiffness and performance is movement-specific.