In this paper, current knowledge of artificial playing surfaces is reviewed. Research
status in the fields of sports rmedicine, engineering and biomechanics is described.
A multidisciplinary approach to the study of artificial sports surface properties
is recommended. The development of modelling techmiques to characterise fundamental
material properties is described as the most appropriate method for the unique specification
of material properties such as stiffness and damping characteristics. It is suggested
that the systematic manipulation of fundamental surface material properties in biomechanics
research will allow the identification of subject responses to cllearly defined surface
variation. It is suggested that subjects should be grouped according to characteristic
behaviour on specific sports surfaces. It is speculated that future biomechianics
research will identify subject criterion related to differimg group responses. The
literature evidence of interactions between sports shoes and sports surfaces leads
to the suggestion that sports shoe and sports surface companies should worlk together
in the development of ideal shoe - surface combinations for particular groups of subjects.
Sports injury - multidisciplinary - cushioning - friction - energy - sport shoes
