Open AccessAbrasion injuries on artificial turf: A real risk or not?
Author(s) -
D. Twomey,
Lauren A. Petrass,
Paul R. Fleming
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
south african journal of sports medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2078-516X
pISSN - 1015-5163
DOI - 10.17159/2413-3108/2014/v26i3a105
Subject(s) - abrasion (mechanical) , medicine , perception , forensic engineering , physical therapy , psychology , engineering , materials science , composite material , neuroscience
Abrasion injuries result in damage only to the surface layer of skin and can result in player discomfort and changes in performance. The perceived fear of abrasion injuries on artificial turf playing surfaces has significantly affected the adoption of these surfaces, particularly in sports that involve frequent player-surface interactions. The underreporting of abrasion injuries due to how time-loss injuries are defined and the lack of validity of the current abrasion measurement device highlight the need for more research to understand fully the incidence and nature of abrasions on artificial turf playing surfaces and the effect of these injuries on playing behaviour. Improved reporting of abrasion injuries and a more biofidelic test device could assist in both the development of abrasion-related injury prevention strategies and in dispelling players’ negative perceptions of abrasions on artificial turf.