This request pertains to a series of related projects on a common theme. Specifically, this set of projects aims to analyze the impact of new alternatives in materials and structures of artificial turf on athlete performance and perception, within the context of the elimination of microplastics as per Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of September 25, 2023. Third-generation sports artificial turf is notable for including performance infill (granules) that provide the necessary functionality and safety for sports practice. The vast majority of fields worldwide use materials that do not comply with the new European regulation, which has granted an eight-year moratorium. Therefore, there is little time to find new alternatives. The challenge lies not only in developing new structural solutions but also in understanding their impact on athletes. This issue is of high severity, as these sports facilities are the largest in terms of space and host the highest number of Physical Activity and Sports practitioners in Europe (mainly Football, Rugby, Hockey, and Padel).
For this reason, over the past year, the IGOID Group has requested various projects to cover all the necessary phases and nuances to address this issue.
The activities included in these projects are divided into two phases:
Phase 1: Evaluation of Sports Surfaces in the Laboratory (durability and surface-player and surface-ball interaction). Tests will be conducted on artificial turf samples constructed with SBR rubber (the main material to be replaced under the EU regulation), natural-origin infills, polymeric infills larger than 5 mm, and other infills. Initially, a market analysis and classification will be carried out, followed by laboratory tests. Across all projects, a minimum of 30 alternatives are expected to be analyzed.
Phase 2: Field Study. Tests will be conducted on a sample of athletes on constructed surfaces representing the different alternatives evaluated in Phase 1. Performance tests and a battery of assessments will be carried out to understand athlete perception. A sample of 30 athletes will be randomly divided into groups to perform different repetitions of the test batteries, covering a minimum of six different sports facilities.
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Crossover
Countermovement Jump (CMJ)
BehavioralParticipants perform a vertical jump starting from a standing position, bending their knees to 90 degrees, and then jumping as high as possible. The height of the jump is measured using a laser measurement tool (OptoJump-Microgate, Optojump, Bolzano, Italy).
Repeated Jump Test
BehavioralParticipants perform repeated vertical jumps for 20 seconds, with the height of each jump measured using a laser measurement tool (OptoJump-Microgate, Optojump, Bolzano, Italy).
Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) Test
Behavioralarticipants perform six 30-meter sprints with 20 seconds of rest between each sprint. Sprint times are measured using photocell timing gates (RaceTime, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy).
Maximum Sprint Test
BehavioralParticipants perform three maximum effort sprints over 40 meters. Sprint times and speeds are measured using 1080 motion analysis
Change of Direction (COD) Test
BehavioralParticipants perform a sprint with a change of direction, running 5 meters in one direction and then 5 meters at a 90-degree angle. The time to complete the test is measured.
Shooting Test
BehavioralParticipants perform a shooting test, aiming to hit a target with maximum speed. The speed of the shot is measured using radar.
Small side game test
BehavioralParticipants engage in a 5v5 small-sided game on a 600 m² field to simulate match conditions and assess performance in a game-like scenario.
Performance and Comfort Perception Questionnaire
BehavioralParticipants complete a questionnaire to assess their perception of performance and comfort on the surface, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Perceived Exertion Questionnaire
BehavioralParticipants complete a questionnaire to assess their perceived exertion during the tests, using the Borg scale
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Treatment groupsSee each treatment group below.
Performance Metrics on Different Surfaces
Sprint times (seconds): The time taken to complete a 20-meter sprint will be measured in seconds. Jump heights (meters): The height achieved during a vertical jump will be measured in meters. Agility (seconds): The time taken to complete an agility course will be measured in seconds.
Perception of Comfort and Performance
Participants' subjective ratings of comfort and performance on each surface using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Scale Details: The VAS will range from 0 to 100 mm, where: 0 mm represents the lowest possible rating (e.g., "No comfort" or "Poor performance"). 100 mm represents the highest possible rating (e.g., "Maximum comfort" or "Excellent performance"). Interpretation of Scores: Higher scores on the VAS indicate better outcomes, meaning higher comfort and better performance.
Impact Absorption
Measurement of impact absorption using the Artificial Athlete method (EN 14808: 2006). The results will be reported in kilonewtons (kN).
Rotational Resistance
Measurement of rotational resistance using a traction device with a dynamometric key (EN 15301-1: 2008 and FIFA 2015) in N·m
Ball Rebound
Measurement of ball rebound using a microphone (EN 12235: 2014 and FIFA 2015) in cm
Ball Roll
Measurement of horizontal ball roll using a standardized angle ramp and photocells (FIFA 2015). In cm
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