Effect of Turf Surfaces on the Incidence of Low Back Pain in Field Hockey

Participation and sports and recreational activities have increased in recent times and Hockey is one such sport gaining immense popularity between the young players. The advent of synthetic surface has significantly changed the sport by increasing the speed of the game, causing increased injury potential. The present study was undertaken to compare the effect of the turf surfaces on the incidence of low back pain in Field hockey Players. State, National and International level players (N=201) with the age bar of 14 to 28 years from five cities of Punjab .A questionnaire containing history of back pain, personal characters tics, turf information (no. of training hours and type of surface played) was completed. Back pain was more prevalent on Astroturf surface (39.13%) as compared to grass surface (28.57%). Males were more afflicted than females. The study provides an insight to coaches, Sports medicine personnel about the relationship between turf surfaces and injury potential in order to formulate well-designed training programs and making them free from injury.