IN-LINE SKATERS: A SURVEY OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT USE, REASONS FOR NON-USE AND INJURIES 1543

Abstract

The goal of this project was to survey in-line skaters to determine the use of protective equipment, reasons for not using protective equipment and prevalence of injury. The survey included 151 female and 162 male skaters with an average age of 24.7 ± 9.9 years. They had been skating for 2.4± 1.8 years. Skaters self-rated their ability levels as beginner (72 skaters), beginning- intermediate (58), intermediate (96), advanced-intermediate (47) and advanced (17). Frequency of skating was daily for 21%, weekly for 43% and irregularly for 36%. Of the skaters surveyed, 89% owned skates, 26% helmets (Helm), 59% wrist guards (WG), 32% elbow pads (EP) and 51% knee pads (KP). Protective equipment was worn the majority of the time in the following proportions of skaters: WG - 51%, KP - 36%, EP - 15% and Helm- 15%. Variables which increased the likelihood of protective equipment usage included increased frequency of skating (p< 0.01) and having friends who wore protective equipment (p< 0.01). Variables which decreased the likelihood of protective equipment usage included advancing level of skating proficiency (p< 0.03). Reasons cited for not using protective equipment included: felt to be unnecessary (90%), uncomfortable (60%), disliked appearance (18%) and cost (19%). Previous injuries had occurred in 26% of the skaters; 14% of these fractures. The knee (31%) was the most common location of injury followed by the elbow (17.6%) and the wrist (17.6%). Risk factors for injury correlated with being male, increased frequency of skating and higher level of skating ability. Skaters who had been injured were less likely to cite “no need” or “uncomfortable” as reasons not to wear protective equipment. However, the previously injured skaters appeared no more likely that the uninjured skater to wear protective equipment.