Injury Rates in Amateur Football on Dirt vs. Artificial Turf
Author Information
Author(s): Ramin Kordi, Farajollah Hemmati, Hamid Heidarian, Vahid Ziaee
Primary Institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the incidence, nature, severity, and cause of match injuries sustained on dirt fields and artificial turf fields by amateur male football players.
Conclusion
The incidence of match football injuries on dirt fields is about two times higher than on artificial turf fields.
Supporting Evidence
- Injuries on dirt fields occurred at a rate of 36.9 injuries per 1000 player hours.
- Injuries on artificial turf occurred at a rate of 19.5 injuries per 1000 player hours.
- Most injuries were acute, with player-to-player contact being a common cause.
Takeaway
Playing football on dirt fields can lead to more injuries than playing on artificial turf, especially minor injuries like scrapes.
Methodology
A prospective two-cohort design was used with 252 players on dirt fields and 216 on artificial turf, recording injuries during matches.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differences in player skill levels and the varying quality of dirt fields.
Limitations
The study only recorded match injuries and did not analyze training injuries or the quality of dirt fields.
Participant Demographics
252 male players on dirt fields (mean age 27) and 216 male players on artificial turf (mean age 28).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.19-3.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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