Analysis of New Materials and Artificial Turf Products: Influence and Impact on Athlete Performance and Perception

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.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria: Gender: Male or female football players. Experience: Players who have played football for at least one full season prior to participating in the study.

Playing Level: Players who have played at the base or amateur level for at least 6 years.

Health Status: Players who do not have active or chronic injuries that could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Willingness to Participate: Players who are willing to undergo performance tests and complete perception questionnaires.

Recent Injury History: Players who have not experienced significant injuries in the three months prior to the start of the study.

Medical Conditions: Players who do not have pre-existing medical conditions that could affect their ability to perform performance tests or endanger their health during the tests.

Medication: Players who are not taking medications that could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Consent: Players who have signed an informed consent form to participate in the study and are willing to consistently follow the study protocols.

Age: Players between 20 and 30 years old (to obtain a more homogeneous sample). -

Exclusion Criteria: Recent Injury: Players who have experienced a significant injury in the last three months that required medical attention or could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Chronic Illness: Players who have a chronic illness that could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Medication: Players who are taking medications that could affect their ability to perform performance tests or could affect their understanding of the questionnaires and perception tools.

Medical History: Players who have a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological disease.

Recent Surgery: Players who have had major surgery in the last six months that could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Protocol Compliance: Players who are not willing or able to consistently follow the study protocols.

Disability: Players who have a physical or cognitive disability that could affect their ability to perform performance tests.

Consent: Players who have not signed an informed consent form to participate in the study.

Age: Players who do not meet the minimum and maximum age requirements to be included in the study.

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