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.