Turf or grass? Study warns that synthetic sports fields increase concussion risk

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 by StudyFinds Staff

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Playing sports can be dangerous. However, one study notes that the playing surface an athlete is standing on can significantly impact their risk of suffering a concussion. A researcher at the University of Hawai’i explains that playing on synthetic turf fields can increase the risk of a serious head injury in comparison to playing on natural grass.

The study, presented at the 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, highlights the importance of considering the safety of the playing surface itself in athletics.
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Ian Chun, a medical student at the University of Hawai’i, conducted the study. He compared the impact deceleration of manikins on natural grass and synthetic turf high school football fields. The findings showed that synthetic turf fields had a greater impact on an athlete’s ability to slow down, indicating an increased risk of injuries due to contact with the playing surface.

While injuries in sports have always been a part of the game, the focus on player safety has shifted in recent years. The study emphasizes the need to consider the spaces where we play and their impact on athlete safety. Synthetic turf fields, although favored for their lower maintenance costs, have been associated with ankle and knee injuries, and now, a potentially higher risk of concussions.

Read the article.