Skin tribology in sport

Abstract

This review describes the principles of skin friction and wear for the benefit of sports scientists, engineers and clinicians. Skin exhibits complex behaviour, defying tribological laws for dry contact; hence, its friction and wear characteristics are affected by sliding speed, normal load, and contact area. Some sports seek to increase skin friction to enhance performance; however, this needs to be offset against injury risk given that skin abrades when slid across a rough and hard surface, delaminates when slid across a smooth and hard surface, and chafes or blisters when repeatedly rubbed against some fabrics. Whilst skin interactions can both define and hinder athlete performance, there exists a need to better understand skin biomechanics to optimise the balance of risk versus reward.

A Brief Review on Factors Affecting the Tribological Interaction between Human Skin and Different Textile Materials

“…This option will be the simplest choice in friction reduction at the skin–textile material interface for users because it creates an option that allows people to forget about having to apply products or alter their existing clothes or equipment. Some sports and activities, such as lifting, implement the use of chalk to absorb moisture in the hands and maximize performance [ 62 ]. According to Ishikawa [ 63 ], “Textiles can be engineered to ease the slippage of fabrics on the human skin by both the fiber composition and construction of fabrics”.…”

A finite element model for predicting impact-induced damage to a skin simulant

“…They state that body padding should only "protect against cuts and abrasions". Cuts are typically caused by interaction with another player or their footwear 2,3 , whereas abrasions are usually from contact with artificial turf [4][5][6] . With technological advances, these regulations must be "future-proof " to ensure the materials and design of rugby padding do not become detrimental to the nature of the sport and player welfare.…”