Today, everyone is vying for our attention. As a result, we are inundated with content. As our attention spans keep getting shorter, complex information is condensed, so we can keep up without missing out.
But, a 30-second soundbite is problematic, mainly because the context of any subject is still important. Without adequate context, misconceptions can take hold. For example, it’s important to know the full story behind all sports flooring properties, not just one. The flooring property that gets the most attention is shock absorption (aka force reduction), but to make a good decision, you should consider all the properties of a floor. Here are a few common mix-ups about sports floors, particularly related to shock absorption, that could be solved with more context.
#1 “Just pick the floor with the highest shock absorption.”
Shock absorption is important, but the floor with the highest number might also be too slippery, or it might have widely inconsistent with “dead spots” everywhere. Consider other properties, like surface friction and vertical deformation, to get better performance overall.
#2 “Shock absorption is all that matters to prevent injuries.”
High shock absorption does reduce strain and stress injuries. But again, other properties should be considered. Having a surface friction coefficient between 80 and 110 (ASTM F2772) is critical to minimizing accidental slips, which can be more serious than shin splints.
#3 “Shock absorption helps if a player falls.”
It would be great if that were true, but shock absorption works to reduce strain on lower extremities. If a players trips, it does not significantly cushion a fall.
At Abacus, we take consider all the angles necessary to make your project a success. Contact us today for a consultation or sign up for an AIA Continuing Education Course.