The debate surrounding the safety of artificial turf in the National Football League (NFL) has been ongoing for years, with players arguing that they sustain more injuries on synthetic surfaces compared to natural grass. A recently conducted independent study supports these claims, revealing that common injuries are indeed more prevalent on artificial turf. However, not all artificial turf materials are equal in terms of injury rates. This article delves into the findings of the study and explores the varying impact of different types of artificial turf on player injuries.
Traditionally, football was exclusively played on natural grass until the advent of the Astrodome in Houston, which introduced AstroTurf, the first fully enclosed major league baseball stadium. The 1960s witnessed a shift in the landscape of sports facilities, with many older stadiums being replaced by multi-purpose structures. The low-maintenance nature of artificial turf made it an attractive choice for these newly constructed stadiums. However, from the very beginning, athletes voiced concerns about the hardness of synthetic surfaces, which seemed to grip their footwear more firmly, causing them to experience foot injuries and strains.
The study, which analyzed the NFL’s injury database from 2016 to 2021, consists of a comprehensive overview of injury rates on both natural grass and artificial turf. Over this period, approximately 1,700 games were played, evenly distributed between the two types of surfaces, with three-quarters of the artificial surfaces being slit-film turf. The overall injury rate per game during this time was 1.92.
The study found that various types of injuries, including ankle, hamstring, groin, calf, quadriceps, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial cruciate ligament (MCL), leg/ankle/foot fractures, and Achilles tendon injuries were more frequent on artificial turf compared to natural grass, with increases ranging from 2% to as high as 62%. For example, ankle injuries occurred at a rate of 0.561 per game on artificial turf, compared to 0.498 on natural grass. The most significant difference was observed in MCL injuries, with rates of 0.089 on artificial turf and 0.055 on grass, representing a 62% higher rate.
While the study’s findings highlight the increased risk of injury on artificial turf overall, it also sheds light on the differing impact of various artificial turf materials. Slit-film turf, known for its softer feel and designed to break down with use, was associated with higher injury rates compared to stiffer monofilament products and natural grass. When comparing injury rates on slit-film surfaces to a combination of natural grass and non-slit artificial surfaces, the former still showed higher rates for ankle injuries (30% higher), hamstring pulls (33% higher), quadriceps injuries (45% higher), and Achilles tendon strains and tears (38% higher). On the other hand, slit-film turf exhibited lower rates of ACL tears, groin pulls, and lower extremity fractures compared to grass and monofilament surfaces.
The findings of this study carry important implications for the NFL and its players. It is evident that the playing surface itself contributes to the increased injury rates experienced on artificial turf. The researchers conclude that this comprehensive analysis could aid the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) in formulating guidelines regarding playing surfaces to minimize the risk of injuries faced by players.
The independent study provides compelling evidence that players in the NFL are more prone to injuries on artificial turf compared to natural grass. Furthermore, the study highlights the varying impact of different types of artificial turf materials, with slit-film turf demonstrating the highest injury rates. This research serves as a valuable resource for the NFL and the NFLPA, enabling them to establish guidelines to enhance player safety and reduce the occurrence of injuries associated with playing surfaces. Moving forward, it is imperative for the league to consider these findings and prioritize the well-being of its athletes.
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