Association Between History of Musculoskeletal Injury and Prior Exposure on Artificial Turf in Retired NFL Players: 2192: Board #105 June 1 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

PURPOSE: To examine relationships between reported musculoskeletal (MS) injuries and percentage of playing time on artificial turf in collegiate and professional football.

METHODS: 3647 health surveys were sent to members of the National Football League Players' Association-Retired Section; 2552 were returned. Former NFL players (mean age=53.9±13.4yrs) reported percentage of games played on artificial turf in college and in the NFL. Subjects also reported the number of MS (shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, back, hip, knee, ankle, foot) injuries sustained at each playing level. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare those who played the least and the most games on turf in regards to MS injuries. Groups were formed based on reported percentages of exposure to turf at the professional level. Group 1 represented those who played exclusively on natural grass; Group 2 represented those who played up to 33% on artificial turf; Group 3, 34-66%; Group 4, 67-100%. Similar groups were formed for collegiate play. Odds ratios were calculated to compare exposure groups (no turf exposure vs turf exposure) for risk of MS injury (no MS injury vs MS injury).

RESULTS: At the professional level, significantly more MS injuries were sustained by those in Group 4 than in group 1 (7.5±9.6 vs 4.3±6.1 injuries, p=.005), and Group 2 (7.5±9.6 vs 5.4±7.4 injuries, p<.001). Group 3 also reported more injuries than both Group 1 (7.1±8.7 vs 4.3±6.1, p=.02) and Group 2 (7.1±8.7 vs 5.4±7.4, p<.001). Calculated odds ratios revealed a significantly greater risk of injury based on artificial turf exposure at the professional level (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 2.0, 3.1). For collegiate play, significantly more MS injuries were sustained by those in Group 4 than those in group 1 (4.2±5.3 vs 2.6±3.5 injuries, p=.004), and Group 2 (4.2±5.3 vs 2.8±4.5 injuries, p<.001). Calculated odds ratios for the collegiate level revealed a greater risk of injury associated with artificial turf exposure (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.5, 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a greater percentage of exposure to artificial turf were 2-times more likely to sustain a MS injury compared to those with less exposure. The relationship between loss of playing time, the economic cost of lost time, and the complications of disability due to injury associated with turf exposure warrants further investigation.