Impact of Non-Infill Artificial Turf on Athlete Performance: An In-Depth Analysis from a Sports Performance Perspective
In professional sports events and daily training scenarios, the performance of the turf surface directly affects athletes' technical execution, safety, and physical exertion. With the increasing popularity of non-infill artificial turf in football fields, rugby fields, and other venues, the question of "whether it affects athlete performance" has become a key concern for the industry and athletes. Through visits to sports venues, interviews with professional athletes, and case studies of Vivaturf's non-infill turf applications, it has been found that the impact of non-infill artificial turf on athlete performance is "bidirectional"—scientifically designed products can enhance the sports experience, while inferior products or improper installation may have negative effects. The key lies in whether the turf's performance parameters align with the requirements of the sport.
I. Core Performance Dimensions Affecting Athlete Performance
Athletes' performance on the turf (such as running speed, ball control precision, and stability during sudden stops and turns) is directly related to four key performance parameters: elasticity, friction coefficient, flatness, and surface temperature. Non-infill artificial turf, through variations in fiber structure and base design, influences these dimensions and, consequently, athlete performance.
Elasticity and Shock Absorption: Impact on Joint Protection and Power Generation
- Positive Impact: High-quality non-infill turf achieves elasticity comparable to natural grass through "straight-curved mixed fibers + cushioning base" designs. For example, Vivaturf's non-infill football turf uses "double S-shaped curled fibers," providing 60%-65% shock absorption (meeting FIFA's standard of ≥50%). This disperses joint impact when athletes land, reducing power limitations caused by hard surfaces. Professional football players report that actions like "heading" and "tackling" on Vivaturf turf exert similar knee and ankle forces as natural grass, allowing normal power generation.
- Potential Negative Impact: If fiber density is too low (<15,000 fibers/m²) or the base lacks cushioning, the turf's elasticity is insufficient, leading to hard foot feedback during running and increased leg muscle fatigue, affecting endurance. Conversely, overly soft fibers with excessive elasticity may create a "sinking sensation," reducing sprint speed.
Friction Coefficient: Determines Ball Control and Stopping Stability
- Positive Impact: The friction coefficient of non-infill turf can be adjusted via fiber material and texture to suit different sports needs. Football fields require a "medium friction coefficient" (0.6-0.8) to ensure stable ball roll while preventing "sticky feet" during sudden stops. Vivaturf achieves this by fine-tuning fiber textures (micro-protrusion design), maintaining a friction coefficient of around 0.7. Players at Zhengzhou Nankai High School's football matches reported "controlled ball speed during passes and sufficient grip for quick stops without slipping."
- Potential Negative Impact: Poor-quality non-infill turf with overly smooth fibers (friction coefficient <0.5) can cause "uncontrolled ball rolling," disrupting short passes. Conversely, overly rough fibers (friction coefficient >1.0) increase resistance during dribbling, raising physical exertion and shoe wear.
Flatness: Crucial for Safety and Movement Continuity
- Positive Impact: Non-infill turf avoids filler particle loss issues and has high tensile backing strength (Vivaturf's products reach 30N/cm), preventing local depressions or warping during long-term use. Flatness errors can be controlled within 3mm/3m. This high flatness ensures stable running strides, avoiding "stumbling" due to uneven surfaces—particularly beneficial for sprint training on turf.
- Potential Negative Impact: If the base is improperly leveled (error >5mm) or seams are poorly handled, the turf surface may develop "height differences," increasing tripping risks during high-speed running or ankle twists during turns, directly affecting competitive or training performance.
Surface Temperature: Affects Physical Condition and Comfort in High Temperatures
- Positive Impact: Some non-infill turfs reduce surface temperatures through "optimized fiber color + breathable base designs." For example, Vivaturf's "cooling fibers" use light green shades to reflect sunlight, combined with breathable backing, lowering surface temperatures by 5-8°C compared to dark fibers. Southern summer football training feedback indicates "greater comfort, reduced heatstroke risks, and extended training times."
- Potential Negative Impact: Traditional dark non-infill turf can exceed 50°C in summer, posing burn risks for barefoot contact and accelerating fiber aging, indirectly affecting performance.
II. Sport-Specific Adaptability: "Customized" Non-Infill Turf
The impact of non-infill artificial turf on athlete performance also depends on the specific demands of each sport. Currently, it is highly adaptable to football, volleyball, and recreational sports, while optimization is needed for more demanding disciplines.
III. Key Findings and Recommendations
- Performance Optimization: Selecting turf with biomechanically validated parameters (e.g., Vivaturf Pro series) can minimize performance gaps with natural grass.
- Maintenance Protocols: Regular laser flatness checks (±3mm tolerance) and friction coefficient testing ensure consistent quality.
- Future Development: Integrating smart sensors (e.g., wear monitoring) could further enhance turf performance.