The impact of big-city smog and pollution on a pitch with artificial turf on the body's reaction during physical efforts (on the example of female football player trainig)

Introduction. For health-promoting purposes, in terms of optimal human development, physical activity plays an essential role in efficient functioning of the body, but it is important for physical development that this activity takes place in good weather conditions, especially when it comes to clean air. Unfortunately, the problem with smog nowadays occurs almost everywhere, especially in large cities, where poor air conditions are often combined with the development of agglomerations (Duda et al. 2020). The level of smog may also increase in the event of greater air pollution, and such a state can often be seen on sports pitches with artificial turfs (Kmak 2016).

Objective. The aim of the study was to identify the human body’s response to physical effort, taking the degree of air pollution related to smog into account. This reaction was also evaluted in conditions of activity on an artificial football pitch, where the concentration of particulate air pollution on the area is greater due to the release of dust from abrasive granules present on the grass of artificial football pitches.

Research material and methods. The study was conducted among 20 women recreationally training football. The average age of the participants was 22.5 years. Continuous research in the years 2019-2021 was carried out during programme training in football on an artificial football pitch at a sports facility in Kraków. The body’s reaction (resting and exercise heart rate) was tested with a sportester in conditions of smog and clean air (Samsung AX60R5080WD/EU air pollution metres, Air Visual Pro).

Results and conclusions. The test results allowed to state that the contamination level of the pitch has impact on the body’s reaction (higher HR value). It has also been observed that artificial pitches, due to the abrasion of granules, are characterised by greater particulate air pollution.