Background: In-line roller skating is a growing recreational fitness activity, but little is known about the use of personal protective equipment, such as helmets, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, by participants.
Methods: An unobtrusive observational study was performed on a stratified random sample of adult and child in-line skaters in Oakland County, Michigan. A follow-up observational study was performed on locations identified as having high rates of in-line skating activity.
Results: The prevalence of personal protective equipment use varied greatly with the type of equipment. Helmet use was less than 10% in both phases of the study; wrist guard use ranged from 46% to 65%; and intermediate values were noted for the use of elbow and knee pads.
Conclusions: Recreational in-line skating is concentrated in paved public areas and is largely a young adult activity. The use of some items of personal protective equipment is common, although few skaters wear all recommended items. Efforts to prevent or reduce accidental injury should include consideration of all these factors.