Influence of the artificial turf certification on physical performance and muscle damage in football players (QUALTURF PROJECT)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the infuence of the FIFA Quality PRO certifcation of artifcial turf pitches on the physical, physiological performance and muscle damage in soccer players. Fifteen healthy male players (21.2 ± 1.4 years; 178.2 ± 4.3 cm; 79.1 ± 8.3 kg) from a university football team were selected to participate in the research. Mechanical properties related to surface–player interaction were assessed on the two surfaces selected for this study. A randomized design was used and the players performed the Ball-sport Endurance and Sprint Test (BEAST90) on the diferent artifcial turf felds. Average time of the 20 m sprints was longer on the FIFA Quality Pro surface than on the non-certifed pitch (+0.13 s; p < 0.05; CI 95% − 0.01 to 0.27; ES: 0.305). The players’ perceived efort was higher in the frst (+ 2.64; p < 0.05; CI 95% 0.92 to 4.35; ES: 1.421) and the second half (+ 1.35; p < 0.05; CI 95% − 0.02 to 2.72; ES: 0.637) of the test on the FIFA Quality Pro feld. Comparative analysis between surfaces showed no signifcant diferences in the time spent in each of the heart rate zones and higher concentrations of CK (+ 196.58; p > 0.05; CI 95% 66.54 to 326.61; ES: 1.645) were evidenced in the non-certifed pitch surface. In response to a simulated match protocol, markers of post-exercise muscle damage may be reduced on accredited artifcial turf felds. These insights can provide the opportunity to maximize the efciency of training sessions and reduce the risk of injury during the season.