In-Line Skating Injuries

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of in-line skating injuries has increased with the rapid growth in the sport's popularity, but few studies have examined patterns of injuries.OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the demographics of at-risk in-line skaters, document protective equipment use, identify contributing or precipitating factors associated with injuries, and obtain a profile of the injuries sustained.DESIGN: This prospective, descriptive study examined injuries among in-line skaters seen in emergency departments from three hospitals in Canada from August 23, 1995, to November 19, 1996. Patients completed questionnaires about their injuries, and the data were used for the analysis.RESULTS: A total of 121 skaters completed the study. The mean age of injured skaters was 24 years. The largest age-group of injured skaters (50%) were those between 18 and 35 years old. Although the ratio of male to female skaters was about equal (45% female, 55% male), twice as many males as females were younger than 18. The most common cause of injury was a loss of control with no obstacles (50% of patients), and the most common injury was forearm fracture. Most injured skaters were either experienced recreational (33.2%) or novice (37.5%), and, when injured, most skaters were wearing less protective equipment than usual.CONCLUSION: Loss of control and inexperience were factors contributing to about half the injuries. Protective equipment among skaters was underused. Future research must identify the overall incidence of injuries, optimal design and efficacy of protective equipment, and effectiveness of preventive strategies such as safety education.