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NCT06939218

Analysis of New Materials and Artificial Turf Products: Influence and Impact on Athlete Performance and Perception

Sponsor: University of Castilla-La Mancha

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

This request pertains to a series of related projects on a common theme. Specifically, this set of projects aims to analyze the impact of new alternatives in materials and structures of artificial turf on athlete performance and perception, within the context of the elimination of microplastics as per Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 of September 25, 2023. Third-generation sports artificial turf is notable for including performance infill (granules) that provide the necessary functionality and safety for sports practice. The vast majority of fields worldwide use materials that do not comply with the new European regulation, which has granted an eight-year moratorium. Therefore, there is little time to find new alternatives. The challenge lies not only in developing new structural solutions but also in understanding their impact on athletes. This issue is of high severity, as these sports facilities are the largest in terms of space and host the highest number of Physical Activity and Sports practitioners in Europe (mainly Football, Rugby, Hockey, and Padel). For this reason, over the past year, the IGOID Group has requested various projects to cover all the necessary phases and nuances to address this issue. The activities included in these projects are divided into two phases: Phase 1: Evaluation of Sports Surfaces in the Laboratory (durability and surface-player and surface-ball interaction). Tests will be conducted on artificial turf samples constructed with SBR rubber (the main material to be replaced under the EU regulation), natural-origin infills, polymeric infills larger than 5 mm, and other infills. Initially, a market analysis and classification will be carried out, followed by laboratory tests. Across all projects, a minimum of 30 alternatives are expected to be analyzed. Phase 2: Field Study. Tests will be conducted on a sample of athletes on constructed surfaces representing the different alternatives evaluated in Phase 1. Performance tests and a battery of assessments will be carried out to understand athlete perception. A sample of 30 athletes will be randomly divided into groups to perform different repetitions of the test batteries, covering a minimum of six different sports facilities.

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

20 Years - 30 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

Start Date

2025-09-01

Completion Date

2026-06-30

Last Updated

2025-04-22

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Conditions

Artificial Turf Athletic Performance and Injury Risk Physical Fitness Sports Equipment Microplastics Healthy

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Countermovement Jump (CMJ)

Participants perform a vertical jump starting from a standing position, bending their knees to 90 degrees, and then jumping as high as possible. The height of the jump is measured using a laser measurement tool (OptoJump-Microgate, Optojump, Bolzano, Italy).

BEHAVIORAL

Repeated Jump Test

Participants perform repeated vertical jumps for 20 seconds, with the height of each jump measured using a laser measurement tool (OptoJump-Microgate, Optojump, Bolzano, Italy).

BEHAVIORAL

Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) Test

articipants perform six 30-meter sprints with 20 seconds of rest between each sprint. Sprint times are measured using photocell timing gates (RaceTime, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy).

BEHAVIORAL

Maximum Sprint Test

Participants perform three maximum effort sprints over 40 meters. Sprint times and speeds are measured using 1080 motion analysis

BEHAVIORAL

Change of Direction (COD) Test

Participants perform a sprint with a change of direction, running 5 meters in one direction and then 5 meters at a 90-degree angle. The time to complete the test is measured.

BEHAVIORAL

Shooting Test

Participants perform a shooting test, aiming to hit a target with maximum speed. The speed of the shot is measured using radar.

BEHAVIORAL

Small side game test

Participants engage in a 5v5 small-sided game on a 600 m² field to simulate match conditions and assess performance in a game-like scenario.

BEHAVIORAL

Performance and Comfort Perception Questionnaire

Participants complete a questionnaire to assess their perception of performance and comfort on the surface, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

BEHAVIORAL

Perceived Exertion Questionnaire

Participants complete a questionnaire to assess their perceived exertion during the tests, using the Borg scale

Inclusion Criteria: Gender: Male or female football players. Experience: Players who have played football for at least one full season prior to participating in the study. Playing Level: Players who have played at the base or amateur level for at least 6 years. Health Status: Players who do not have active or chronic injuries that could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Willingness to Participate: Players who are willing to undergo performance tests and complete perception questionnaires. Recent Injury History: Players who have not experienced significant injuries in the three months prior to the start of the study. Medical Conditions: Players who do not have pre-existing medical conditions that could affect their ability to perform performance tests or endanger their health during the tests. Medication: Players who are not taking medications that could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Consent: Players who have signed an informed consent form to participate in the study and are willing to consistently follow the study protocols. Age: Players between 20 and 30 years old (to obtain a more homogeneous sample). - Exclusion Criteria: Recent Injury: Players who have experienced a significant injury in the last three months that required medical attention or could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Chronic Illness: Players who have a chronic illness that could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Medication: Players who are taking medications that could affect their ability to perform performance tests or could affect their understanding of the questionnaires and perception tools. Medical History: Players who have a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurological disease. Recent Surgery: Players who have had major surgery in the last six months that could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Protocol Compliance: Players who are not willing or able to consistently follow the study protocols. Disability: Players who have a physical or cognitive disability that could affect their ability to perform performance tests. Consent: Players who have not signed an informed consent form to participate in the study. Age: Players who do not meet the minimum and maximum age requirements to be included in the study. \-

Clinical Research Directory

Analysis of New Materials and Artificial Turf Products: Influence and Impact on Athlete Performance and Perception

Summary

Key Details

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility Criteria