Artificial turf is widely used in sports for its durability, consistent playability, and low maintenance compared to natural grass.
Elevated Risk of Athlete Injuries
Lower extremity injuries, including sprains of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and ankles, occur more frequently on artificial turf than natural grass. Its higher friction and rotational resistance can cause cleats to “stick,” transferring greater torque to joints during quick changes in direction or pivoting. Studies of National Football League (NFL) data show higher rates of ACL and eversion ankle sprains on artificial turf.
Another frequent injury is “turf toe,” a sprain of the big toe’s main joint. This occurs when the toe is forcefully hyperextended, often as an athlete pushes off or jams their toe against the turf’s rigid, unyielding surface. The stiffness of artificial surfaces, offering less shock absorption than natural grass, contributes by preventing the foot from sliding naturally.
Skin abrasions, commonly known as “turf burns,” are also frequent. The abrasive synthetic fibers and infill can scrape away skin when an athlete slides or falls, creating painful open wounds. These friction burns are prone to infection, especially with bacteria residing within the turf’s infill.
How Turf Characteristics Impact Athlete Biomechanics
Artificial turf’s physical characteristics influence athlete biomechanics, contributing to injury patterns.
Artificial turf surfaces exhibit less shock absorption than natural grass, leading to increased impact forces on an athlete’s joints and muscles during activities like running, jumping, and falling. This elevated impact heightens the risk of both acute injuries and chronic issues from repetitive stress.
Rotational resistance and traction on artificial turf differ from natural grass, directly affecting how an athlete’s footwear interacts with the surface. Excessive resistance can fix a cleated foot, preventing natural rotation and transmitting injurious forces to the foot, ankle, and knee connective tissues. This is relevant during pivoting or cutting movements, where excessive grip can lead to sprains and tears. Conversely, too little resistance can cause slippage, impacting performance and leading to injuries.
Artificial turf provides a consistent, yet unyielding, playing surface, contrasting with the natural variability and “give” of grass. While consistency might seem beneficial, the lack of natural cushioning or minor surface variations means the turf offers little natural accommodation for biomechanical stresses. This uniformity can make the surface less forgiving to the body’s movements, potentially increasing strain on joints and muscles over time.
Environmental and Health Hazards
Artificial turf fields can reach significantly higher surface temperatures than natural grass, posing risks for athletes. On hot, sunny days, artificial turf surfaces can be 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than natural grass, with some studies reporting temperatures between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. These extreme temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The synthetic materials absorb and retain heat, and unlike natural grass, they do not cool through evapotranspiration.
Infill materials, frequently made from crumb rubber derived from recycled tires, introduce potential exposure concerns. Crumb rubber contains various organic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals like lead and zinc. While studies on long-term health effects are ongoing, concerns exist regarding exposure through inhalation of airborne particles, ingestion, or skin contact. Microplastic particles, which are solid plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are also released from both the crumb rubber infill and the plastic blades of the turf due to friction and environmental exposure.
The abrasive surface of artificial turf, combined with the presence of infill materials, can increase the risk of skin infections. “Turf burns” create open wounds, which can become entry points for bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other staph infections have been implicated in outbreaks among athletes, with artificial turf being a potential fomite in transmission. MRSA can survive on infill materials for up to 96 hours and on turf fibers for up to 24 hours.