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Personal protective equipment use by in-line roller skaters
1Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
The Journal of Family Practice
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Many in-line skaters use some protective gear, but few wear all recommended items like helmets, wrist guards, and pads. This study highlights common usage patterns for personal protective equipment in recreational skating.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
- Biomechanics
Background:
- In-line skating is a popular recreational activity with increasing participation.
- Limited data exists on personal protective equipment (PPE) usage among in-line skaters.
- Understanding PPE use is crucial for injury prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of personal protective equipment (PPE) use in recreational in-line skating.
- To identify patterns of PPE usage among different age groups and types of equipment.
- To inform injury prevention efforts in the in-line skating community.
Main Methods:
- An observational study design was employed.
- Data was collected from a stratified random sample of adult and child in-line skaters.
- Follow-up observations were conducted at high-activity skating locations.
Main Results:
- Helmet usage was consistently low, below 10%.
- Wrist guard prevalence ranged from 46% to 65%.
- Elbow and knee pad usage fell between these reported rates.
Conclusions:
- In-line skating is primarily a young adult activity, often occurring in paved public areas.
- While some PPE use is common, comprehensive protection (all recommended items) is rare.
- Targeted injury prevention initiatives should consider the observed PPE usage patterns and focus on promoting the use of all recommended safety gear.