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

  • Michael S. Jaffe
  • , Marcel P. Dijkers
  • , Mary Zametis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

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 inline 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1352-1357
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume78
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1997
Externally publishedYes

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