The Influence of the Surface on Player Biomechanics and Injury

Injuries in professional sports can significantly impact players' physical and mental well-being, affect team finances, and reduce the likelihood of winning championships. A survey among elite football professionals ranked injury risk assessment and prevention as top priorities, even above workload management and player monitoring. In professional football, a sport played predominantly on grass, injury rates are notably high. For example, teams in the English Premier League have seen a 50% increase in sprint distances between the 2006-07 and 2012-13 seasons, correlating with an increase in injury incidents. On average, a team of 25 players experiences about 50 injuries per season. A substantial portion of these injuries are non-contact, comprising over 90% of muscle injuries and between 51% and 64% of joint and ligament injuries. The complexity and prevalence of these injuries highlight the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.