Shuttle Run Performance Induced Injury Rates of School Boys on Different Sport Surfaces

Abstract

Background: Sports surfaces not only play a significant role in influencing sports performance but also determining the risk of injury. The best running surface should be moderately soft & smooth and widely used in a variety of games & sports in schools. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the shuttle run performance induced injury rates of school boys on five different sport surfaces in physical education classes. Method: Thirty six healthy school boys (Age: 14.06±0.41 years, Height: 1.60±0.08 meters, Weight: 47.17±7.13 kilograms, BMI: 18.59±3.21 kg/m²) performed 4x10m shuttle run on five different sport surfaces (PVC, asphalt, turf, concrete bed & soft clay) to evaluate speed-agility and subjective symptoms to determine injury rates. Result: The best average result of shuttle run performance was achieved on asphalt surface followed by PVC, soft clay, turf and concrete bed surface was found weak average result. In addition to safety, PVC surface provided greater security with reduced incidence of sports injuries and better performance of school boys. Conclusion: The impact of possible difference among the sport surfaces to obtain optimum shuttle run performance for school boys during competition, test and regular physical education activities under the condition of safety & reduced risk of sports injuries.