Article
A population-based survey of in-line skaters' injuries and skating practices,☆☆

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993(97)90309-9Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective: To describe in-line skating interests and practices, protective gear usage, and injury patterns in a population-based group of in-line skaters.

Design: A two-page questionnaire with multiple choice questions and one write-in response question.

Participants: The survey was sent to 1,000 members of an in-line skating club in Detroit, MI and 45 other states.

Main Outcome Measures: The study was designed to profile skater injury patterns. The effects of protective gear and skater lessons on injury were examined.

Results: Of the 435 skaters returning questionnaires, 56.7% were men. The mean age was 35 years. The frequency of in-line skating lessons was 31.7%. Of respondents, 72.5% wear some kind of protective gear while skating, and 79.8% reported that they had been injured while skating. Of those who had skated for 5 or more years, 93.7% had been injured. Upper extremity injuries were reported by 58.8% of skaters and lower extremity injuries by 66.7%. The majority suffered abrasions and bruises only. More serious injuries were reported by very few skaters: fractures by 5.5% and concussions by 2.1%. Only 3% of respondents required orthopedic surgery.

Conclusion: Lessons and protective gear decrease the risk of injury. However, risk of incurring minor injury exists even if full protective gear is used. Those who have skated for more than 5 years are almost certain to report having been injured.

References (7)

  • American Sports Data

    American sports analysis report

    (1995)
  • International In-Line Skating Association home page

    (July 1995)
  • S Calle et al.

    Wheels-inline roller skating injuries

    J Trauma

    (1993)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Supported by the Del Harder Rehabilitation Fund.

☆☆

No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the authors or upon any organization with which the authors are associated.

1

Dr. Jaffe is now associated with the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group of Southern California, San Diego.

View full text