Speed of Movement with Varying Footwear Conditions on Synthetic Turf and Natural Grass

Abstract

Abstract The two-fold purpose of this study was (1) to compare subjects' movement times on synthetic turf with corresponding movement times on natural grass and (2) to determine the relative effects of three Footwear conditions on movement times recorded on the two playing surfaces. University male students (N = 44) served as subjects and were tested on each type of turf under each footwear condition. Results indicated that movement times were faster on synthetic turf, regardless of the footwear employed. The fastest movement times were exhibited by subjects wearing either tennis shoes or soccer style shoes while performing on synthetic turf. The use of football cleats on synthetic turf accounted for the next best level of movement time. A third level of movement time resulted from the use of either football cleats or soccer shoes on natural grass. The slowest movement times resulted from the use of tennis shoes on natural grass.