The influence of soccer field ground types on lower extremity muscle activation during forward side step

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower extremity muscles activity during forward side step by soccer field ground types. Methods Fifteen elite high school soccer players participated in this study. Muscle activation patterns were recorded at 2000 Hz during forward side step task. Surface EMG of the tibialis anterior(TA), soleus(SOL), medial gastrocnemius(MG), lateral gastrocnemius(LG), peroneus brevis(PB) muscle was recorded, and the root mean square of the EMG was normalized, using a maximum voluntary isometric contraction(%MVIC). One-way repeated ANOVA was used for comparison among three soccer field ground types(natural grass, artificial turf, hard ground). Results Artificial turf displayed greater soleus and peroneus brevis activities compare to natural grass during forward side step task. Conclusions The relationship between increased soleus and peroneus brevis activation and greater incidence of injury in artificial turf versus natural grass requires further study. Soccer players routinely training on artificial turf for prolonged periods should be carefully monitored.