![]() ![]() “We use a ccelerometers, IR thermal camera and an imaging thresholding technique to quantify the abrasion zone. To assess the risk for skin injuries on a particular synthetic turf, the apparatus establishes the abrasion zone, the coefficient of friction, the gradient of sliding velocity, the energy dissipated during the interaction and the change in temperature. There are many aspects that play a role in how human skin responds to being dragged over a surface. “Furthermore, the repetitive circular sweeping action quickly influences surface condition which means the results are not representative of the specified turf system.” “The Securisport cannot really represent a player in motion as it doesn’t accurately simulate an authentic impact at realistic speed,” he says. “ By assessing surfaces in the worst case scenario in terms of forces, this should make all players safer.” According to Marc Douglas of World Rugby, the new rig has all the potential to replace the Securisport test device that is currently being used. We have simulated an elite rugby player – these players are faster and heavier than amateur players, therefore, they are more likely to experience larger forces when interacting with the ground and be more susceptible to receiving a skin injury,” Cardiff University graduation candidate Max MacFarlane, who conducted the study, explains. “The design of the impactor, the angle with which it hits the surface and the speed with which this is being done, all resemble an rugby player falling on the turf. Vertical impact velocities are generated by allowing the impactor to free-fall through a range of release heights to produce a maximum velocity of 3.85 m/s. ![]() A linear induction motor rapidly accelerates the carriage to which the impactor is attached, up to the desired velocity of 5m/s by utilising electromagnets. This synthetic leather provides similar frictional responses as in vivo skin. The new, six-metre long rig they built, has a 3D printed knee-shaped impactor that is wrapped in Lorica Soft. The three-year study was awarded in 2019 to testing institute Sports Labs and Cardiff University.Įarlier this year, Sports Labs revealed the testing apparatus they have developed. All knowledge obtained should also allow World Rugby to improve regulations for quality surfaces accepted at World Rugby standards, to improve the perception of synthetic turf by athletes as well as reduce player skin injuries in the future. With the number of synthetic turf rugby fields growing and player welfare being a priority for World Rugby, the rugby governing body commissioned a PhD study to develop an understanding of skin interactions with synthetic turf surfaces and to develop a better test method and apparatus for assessing the likelihood of skin friction injuries on surfaces. Arguments were usually accompanied by horrible stories and horrendous pictures showing skin abrasions or carpet burns. ![]() The new device will also help sports governing bodies in assessing new turf products and infill materials.Įver since the introduction of synthetic turf, skin injuries have dominated the debate about whether it is the right or wrong surface for a particular sport. The debate about the sliding friendliness of synthetic turf will soon become more scientific with the introduction of a test apparatus and adoption of a testing protocol to establish the sliding characteristics of the turf. ![]()
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