IN-LINE SKATERS: A SURVEY OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, STOPPING TECHNIQUES, FALLING AND INJURIES 1062

Abstract

The goal of this project was to survey in-line skaters to determine the use of protective equipment, stopping techniques, site of impact in falls and prevalence of injury. The survey included 75 female and 59 male skaters with an average age of 26.3 ± 11.4 years. Skaters self-rated their ability levels as beginner (40 skaters), beginning-intermediate (41), intermediate(29), advanced-intermediate (15) and advanced (10). Their reasons for skating included exercise (60%), fun (84%), social activity (37%) and cross training(16%). Of the skaters surveyed, 78% owned skates, 20% helmets (Helm), 51% wrist guards (WG), 31% elbow pads (EP) and 41% knee pads (KP). Protective equipment was worn the majority of the time by the following proportions of skaters: WG - 52%, KP - 34%, EP - 21% and Helm - 8%. Variables which increased the likelihood of protective equipment usage included ownership of protective equipment (p< 0.05) and having friends who wore protective equipment (p< 0.05). Reasons cited for not using protective equipment included: uncomfortable (42%), felt to be unnecessary (34%), disliked of appearance(22%) and cost (15%). Previous injuries had occurred in 22% of the skaters; 11% of these were fractures. The wrist and hands were the most common sites of impact after falling, followed by the knees, the buttocks and the elbows. Previous falls were associated with the greater use of appropriate protective equipment use [e.g. a history of falling on hands and wrists increased subsequent usage of wrist guards (p< 0.05)]. The survey revealed that the rear skate braking technique was commonly used by 52% of the skaters, the spin stop by 24%, the “t” stop by 23%, going off into the grass by 22% and falling by 8%. These data reveal that in-line skaters wear protective equipment at relatively low frequencies and may be placing themselves at risk for injury.