Turf Leads to More ACL Injuries: Fact or Fiction? | Curovate (2024)

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Turf Leads to More ACL Injuries: Fact or Fiction? | Curovate? ›

That research found 16% more injuries per play on artificial turf compared to grass. The authors concluded that if all games had been played on grass during that period there would have been 319 fewer foot and leg injuries. Looking only at non-contact injuries the risk was even higher, about 20% more injuries per play.

This is particularly relevant in sports such as football and soccer, where approximately 62% of ACL injuries in soccer occurred on artificial turf without any physical contact with another athlete. Athletes playing on artificial turf were about 1.6 times more likely to injure their ACL compared to playing on grass.

It found that, had every game been played on a grass surface, at least 300 fewer foot and leg injuries would have been expected. Turf fields also appeared to significantly increase the likelihood of non-contact injuries. About 20% more non-contact injuries occurred per play on a turf surface than a grass surface.

Causes. ACL injury typically occurs during athletics where jumping, pivoting and rapid change of direction occurs. Football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and skiing are some sports known to have high ACL injury rates. Contrary to popular belief, the ACL can tear without contact.

As with any sport or activity, the more you practice and play it, the greater the risk of injury. Today's prevalence of ACL tears is partially attributable to increased training, practice, and playing time which places a far too heavy workload on an athlete's body.

Normal studs (bigger ones) have been suggested to put significantly more pressure on the ACL when played on artificial turf. Artificial turf puts more general load through the knees, making the knee bend in more (valgus load and internal rotation). These are risk factors associated with knee injuries.

There were 74,620 estimated football-related ACL injuries on artificial turf and 122,654 on natural grass. Likewise, 71,877 of the estimated soccer-related ACL injuries occurred on artificial turf and 104,028 on natural grass.

That research found 16% more injuries per play on artificial turf compared to grass. The authors concluded that if all games had been played on grass during that period there would have been 319 fewer foot and leg injuries. Looking only at non-contact injuries the risk was even higher, about 20% more injuries per play.

On synthetic surfaces, there is less give, meaning our feet, ankles and knees absorb the force, which makes injury more likely to follow. The data supports the anecdotes you'll hear from me and other players: artificial turf is significantly harder on the body than grass.

Over time, infill layers of these turfs gets compressed and quality of their shockpads degrades, and these developments lead to increasing hardness of surface. These changes result in elongated artificial grass fibers and therefore increased friction between shoe and surface.

Who tears their ACL the most? ›

Why are ACL tears more common in female athletes? The structure of the knee joint in women plays a big role in putting them at a higher risk for an ACL tear. Women's joints — including the knee — generally have more looseness and range of motion than men's.

This higher stress can lead to either a chronic (overuse) or acute (sudden) injury. According to research, an ACL tear is one acute injury that female athletes are two to eight times more likely to experience than males.

History: One of the most common knee injuries is an ACL sprain or tear. Typically, injury occurs during activity/sports participation that involves sudden changes in the direction of movement, abrupt stopping or slowing down while running, or jumping and abnormal landing.

The ACL can be injured or torn in a number of different ways. The most common mechanism is that of a sudden pivoting or cutting maneuver during sporting activity, which is commonly seen in football, basketball and soccer. The ligament can also tear due to work injuries or automobile accidents.

Faulty landing mechanics are a major contributor to ACL injuries. Many athletes land with their knees collapsing inward and forward past their toes or without bending their knees at all. These postures stress the knees.

Most ACL injuries in NFL athletes are associated with contact, brisk deceleration, and shallow knee and hip flexion angles.

Comparing turf and grass fields involves understanding their distinct effects on knee health. Turf Fields: Pros: Durability, low maintenance, consistent playing surface. Cons: Potential increased risk of knee injuries due to less give and higher traction, which may stress the ligaments.

What causes football ACL injuries? In football, motions such as cutting and pivoting can put a great amount of force on the knee. The positioning of the ACL makes it responsible for maintaining the integrity of the knee against that force.

ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing — such as soccer, basketball, football and downhill skiing.

While the available research does not indicate a significant health risk, there are several ways to minimize any potential exposures to chemicals from synthetic turf fields. Always wash hands after playing on the field and before eating.