title: Influence of the mechanical properties of third-generation artificial turf systems on soccer players' physiological and physical performance and their perceptions.
abstract: The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the mechanical properties of artificial turf systems on soccer players' performance. A battery of perceptive physiological and physical tests were developed on four different structural systems of artificial turf (System 1: Compacted gravel sub-base without elastic layer; System 2: Compacted gravel sub-base with elastic layer; System 3: Asphalt sub-base without elastic layer; System 4: Asphalt sub-base with elastic layer). The sample was composed of 18 soccer players (22.44±1.72 years) who typically train and compete on artificial turf. The artificial turf system with less rotational traction (S3) showed higher total time in the Repeated Sprint Ability test in comparison to the systems with intermediate values (49.46±1.75 s vs 47.55±1.82 s (S1) and 47.85±1.59 s (S2); p<0.001). The performance in jumping tests (countermovement jump and squat jump) and ball kicking to goal decreased after the RSA test in all surfaces assessed (p<0.05), since the artificial turf system did not affect performance deterioration (p>0.05). The physiological load was similar in all four artificial turf systems. However, players felt more comfortable on the harder and more rigid system (S4; visual analogue scale = 70.83±14.28) than on the softer artificial turf system (S2; visual analogue scale = 54.24±19.63). The lineal regression analysis revealed a significant influence of the mechanical properties of the surface of 16.5%, 15.8% and 7.1% on the mean time of the sprint, the best sprint time and the maximum mean speed in the RSA test respectively. Results suggest a mechanical heterogeneity between the systems of artificial turf which generate differences in the physical performance and in the soccer players' perceptions.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Sciences, UCAM, Universidad Católica San Antonio, Murcia, Spain; IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Sánchez
authors.affiliation: IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: García-Unanue
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Sciences, UCAM, Universidad Católica San Antonio, Murcia, Spain.
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Reyes
authors.affiliation: School of Sport Sciences, UCAM, Universidad Católica San Antonio, Murcia, Spain.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gallardo
authors.affiliation: IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain; Sport Sciences Institute, Camilo José Cela University, Villafranca del Castillo, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Burillo
authors.affiliation: IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain; School of Sport Sciences, European University, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Felipe
authors.affiliation: IGOID Research Group, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain.
authors.forename: Leonor
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallardo
mesh_terms: D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000737:chemistry; D012408:Rubber / Q000737:chemistry; D012916:Soccer; D019876:Sports Equipment; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D012408:Rubber