Biomechanical Analysis of Running on Third Generation Artificial Soccer Turf

Abstract

Theaim of this study was to compare the human-surface interaction during running on artificial soccerturf pitches. For this purpose a biomcchanical analysis (kinetics and kinematics) wasperformed on twenty soccerplayers while they ran at three different speeds across a 25 meta long track covered with a third generation artificial soccer turf. A total of three different pitches. two FIFA Istarand one FIFA Zstar, wereexamined. There was nodifference between the two Istar systems in the peak vertical and horizontal ground reactions forces and leg stiffness. Data on the 2star system wasequivocal due to a too small sample size. It is concluded thatbiomechanical testing aids the development of an optimal soccerpitch.