A Comparative Study on the Impact of Flooring Types on the Occurrence of Sports Injuries in Elementary Schools

This study investigated the impact of different flooring types on the incidence of sports injuries during physical education sessions in primary schools. Employing a comparative approach, the study analyzed four groups of schools, each using a distinct surface type: artificial grass, asphalt, cement, and dirt. Injury rates, severity, and types were compared using data from existing administrative registers of 46 intentionally selected schools.The results revealed statistically significant differences in injury rates depending on the surface type, with asphalt surfaces showing the highest injury rates. Additionally, asphalt surfaces were associated with higher rates of severe and moderate injuries. However, no significant differences were observed for mild injuries across the different surfaces. The study also found that bone and joint injuries were more prevalent on asphalt surfaces, while muscle and skin injuries were more common on cement surfaces. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate flooring to minimize injury risks, offering evidence-based ecommendations for creating safer physical education environments. The study suggests that future research should include longitudinal studies and consider broader contextual factors to enhance injury prevention strategies in schools