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Published on: September 21, 2017
Use of protective equipment by in-line skaters: an observational study
D J Beirness1, R D Foss, K J Desmond
1Traffic Injury Research Foundation, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. dougb@trafficinjuryresearch.com
Summary
Protective equipment use among in-line skaters is low, with less than 30% using wrist guards and even fewer using helmets or pads. This highlights a need for increased safety measures to prevent skating injuries.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sports Medicine
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- In-line skating is a popular recreational and commuting activity.
- Injuries associated with in-line skating can be reduced through the use of protective equipment.
- Understanding current protective equipment usage is crucial for developing effective injury prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of protective equipment use (helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads) among in-line skaters.
- To identify the extent to which in-line skaters utilize safety gear during their activity.
Main Methods:
- An observational survey was conducted across 15 municipalities in British Columbia during the summer of 1999.
- Data were collected from 877 in-line skaters observed at various sites (commuter, recreational, neighborhood, general community).
Main Results:
- Observed use of protective equipment was low: wrist guards (25%), helmets (13%), elbow pads (14%), and knee pads (10%).
- A significant majority of skaters were not using recommended protective gear.
Conclusions:
- Despite the availability and affordability of protective equipment, in-line skaters demonstrate low rates of usage.
- There is a clear need for policies and programs to promote increased use of protective equipment to mitigate skating-related injuries.
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