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Impact Deceleration Differences on Natural Grass Versus Synthetic Turf High School Football Fields
Nathaniel C Villanueva1, Ian K H Chun1, Alyssa S Fujiwara1
1John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (NCV, IKHC, ASJ, ERL).
Hawai'I Journal of Health & Social Welfare
|January 15, 2024
Summary
High school football players experience more concussions on synthetic turf than natural grass due to higher impact deceleration. This study highlights the need for safer playing surfaces to prevent football-related head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- American football leads high school sports in concussion rates.
- Impact with playing surfaces is a significant cause of football injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare impact deceleration between natural grass and synthetic turf football fields.
- To assess injury risk associated with different playing surfaces in youth football.
Main Methods:
- A manikin with a helmet and accelerometers was dropped onto natural grass and synthetic turf fields.
- Data from 1,710 drops were collected on outdoor fields in Hawai'i.
- Impact deceleration was measured using accelerometers on the manikin's head.
Main Results:
- Synthetic turf showed significantly greater impact deceleration than natural grass in forward and backward falls.
- Side falls also indicated higher impact deceleration on synthetic turf.
- These findings suggest increased head impact forces on artificial surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic turf surfaces may pose a higher risk for head impacts in American football.
- Evidence supports policy changes for safer playing environments in youth sports.
- Further research can inform equipment and field management strategies for injury reduction.
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