20 May 2009

Researchers get to grips with sport safety

Researchers at the Universities of Sheffield and Exeter have been awarded a combined grant of £450k from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to look into the relationship between the grip of a shoe and the surface being played on, in order to help improve the understanding of safety in sport.

With increased levels of obesity and the associated health concerns, exercise is being actively promoted across the population. But the benefits for population health from increased regular participation in exercise and sport also requires the provision of safe sports facilities. One of the main areas of the research will focus on minimising the risk of injury whilst participating in sport.

The two universities will address the problem of traction-related injuries in sport and exercise by considering the specific characteristics of shoes and surfaces that influence an individual´s behaviour during different sporting activities. There will be a specific focus on surfaces used in tennis and the project is supported by the International Tennis Federation.

To achieve the desired outcome the research will involve mechanical test methods being developed to characterise playing surfaces. Engineering approaches will be used to determine specific material characteristics influential on traction behaviour. Human tests will also be carried out to validate the results of mechanical tests and to investigate relationships between human biomechanics and perception and the material properties of tennis surfaces and footwear.

Dr Matt Carré, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield said: "The level of traction between the shoe and surface is the most frequently cited factor in relation to injury occurrence and player performance. For example, a high percentage of injuries requiring medical treatment have been attributed to uncontrolled slipping as a result of low traction. We believe this research will highlight possible ways to lower the injury rate, whilst ensuring the correct grip and maintaining high sports performance."

Sharon Dixon, from the University of Exeter commented: "Applying combined engineering and sports science approaches to the problem of grip on sports surfaces is a novel approach. This should allow us to identify appropriate shoe design features for different playing surfaces to optimise performance and minimise injury risk"