Interaction of wrestling shoe and competition surface: effects on coefficient of friction with implications for injury.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant difference in the co-efficient of friction (Fc) between old versus new wrestling shoes and mats and to investigate the effect of perspiration. Fc was measured by dragging a weighted shoe over a wrestling mat surface and measuring the vertical and horizontal forces produced. Three different shoe conditions were assessed over two mat types for both wet and dry conditions for a total of 12 conditions. To simulate the wet condition, saline solution was smeared over the surface of the mat. There was a significant effect of shoe, mat, and wet/dry conditions. In addition, significant interactions of shoe by mat, shoe by dry/wet, and mat by dry/wet were observed. Overall, Fc was 36% higher for the new wrestling mat compared to the old wrestling mat. Application of the saline solution reduced Fc by 14% compared to the dry condition. Comparison of the mean Fc for all three shoe types revealed the Fc for the older design shoe was 23% to 28% lower than the brand new shoe and the worn newer design, respectively. A high Fc, such as in the new mat/new shoe combination, has the potential to increase the risk of knee and ankle injuries by fixing the foot more securely to the ground.
Newton
Robert
R
Human Performance Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
Doan
Brandon
B
Meese
Michael
M
Conroy
Brian
B
Black
Kevin
K
Sebstianelli
Wayne
W
Kramer
William
W
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012775:Shoes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019876:Sports Equipment / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014952:Wrestling