Biomechanical Analysis of Running on Third Generation Artificial Soccer Turf

The aim of this study was to compare the human-surface interaction during running on artificial soccer turf pitches. For this purpose a biomechanical analysis (kinetics and kinematies) was performed on twenty soccer players while they ran at three different speeds across a 25 meter long track covered with a third generation artificial soccer turf. A total of three different pitches, two FIFA 1 star and one FIFA 2 star, were examined. There was no difference between the two 1 star systems in the peak vertical and horizontal ground reactions forces and leg stiffness. Data on the 2 star system was equivocal due to a too small sample size. It is concluded that biomechanical testing aids the development of an optimal soccer pitch.