A population-based survey of in-line skaters' injuries and skating practices.

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.