Objectives: This study examined risk factors for injury, injury prevalence, safety gear use, and skating habits of adult recreational in-line skaters.
Methods: Randomly selected in-line skaters in 6 major US cities were interviewed.
Results: Only 6% of skaters consistently wore all 4 recommended types of safety gear. Skaters with greater skating experience were more likely to perform tricks, wear less safety gear, and sustain an injury.
Conclusion: More experienced adult recreational in-line skaters are at increased risk for injury. Safety gear use in alarmingly low in adult recreational in-line skaters, especially experienced skaters. Safe skating education programs should consider targeting this newly recognized at-risk skating population.