Within- and between-field variability in natural turfgrass and synthetic turf is associated with differences in athlete mechanical loading and perception.

Introduction: Natural turfgrass and synthetic turf athletic fields exhibit variability within and between surface types due to factors such as usage and maintenance, yet limited research has examined how this variability is associated with differences in athlete mechanical loading and perception. Methods: This study quantified surface characteristics and athlete responses across four athletic fields, two natural turfgrass and two synthetic turf, with one high-usage and one low-usage field of each type. Surface hardness, rotational resistance, infill depth, thatch depth, and soil moisture were evaluated to characterize field conditions. Fourteen female athletes completed standardized drills while wearing Blue Trident ankle inertial measurement units (IMUs) and STATSports APEX GPS performance trackers to quantify lower-limb impact loading and running speed, respectively. Athlete perceptions of surface conditions were assessed using pre- and post-performance surveys. Results and Discussion: Surface hardness varied significantly within and between field types (