Predictors of injury among adult recreational in-line skaters: a multicity study

Review of rollerblading injuries

Rollerblading is becoming more popular in the UK and this has led to an increase in injuries. Our aim is to review the characteristics of injuries caused by rollerblading, to compare them in children and adults, to identify risk factors associated with such injuries and to review the role of injury prevention strategies.

Brachial artery transection caused by closed elbow dislocation in a mature in-line skater: a case report with review of the literature

PURPOSE

Regarding skating injuries, isolated cases of closed elbow dislocations are reported only for children or teenage patients. Due to the anatomic proximity of neurovascular structures, elbow dislocations run the risk of concomitant injury, but its occurrence remains very rare.

METHOD

We describe the case of an advanced mature in-line skater with a complete disruption of the brachial artery caused by a closed elbow dislocation. The patient underwent emergency repair of the arterial injury with an autologous saphenous vein bypass.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, the patient recovered without any complaints and has returned to all activities of daily living as well as sporting activities.

CONCLUSION

This case should sensitize the readers for concomitant vascular lesions when confronted with elbow dislocations. The mechanism of closed elbow dislocation in relation to skating sports is discussed with the current literature. We hold the view that accurate clinical assessment by orthopedic and vascular surgeons is absolutely necessary and immediate operative approach is the only acceptable treatment.

Social cognitive determinants of the intention to wear safety gear among adult in-line skaters

INTRODUCTION

In-line skating is increasing in popularity with a concomitant raise in the number of injuries associated with this activity. Studies have emphasized the value of protective gears in reducing the incidence of injuries and the subsequent need to identify the factors and processes involved in decision making about safety gear-wearing. The present study examined the contribution of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) variables, and perceived susceptibility to and perceived severity of skating injury on the safety gear-wearing intention of adult skaters.

METHODS

Skaters (n=181) completed a questionnaire assessing the constructs of the TPB, perceived susceptibility to and perceived severity of skating injuries, and intention to wear safety gear.

RESULTS

Hierarchical regression analyses revealed significant contributions of instrumental attitude and subjective norm to the prediction of safety gear-wearing intention. In addition, perceived susceptibility to and perceived severity of injuries enhanced the prediction of intentions to wear safety gear over and above the contribution of TPB components.

CONCLUSION

As the TPB focuses only on behavioural evaluation, it seems promising to include threat perceptions in this theory as another aspect of health-related cognitions motivating intention formation about safety gear use. Practical implications for future campaigns and countermeasures are discussed.

In-line skating injuries

In-line skating has remained a popular recreational activity all over the world. The number of injuries seemingly reached a plateau in the late 1990s. However, there are still more injuries caused by in-line skating than from skateboarding, hockey or lacrosse and rugby. In 1997, the estimated annual cost of medical treatment for these injuries in the US was over $US4 billion. Adolescence still represents the largest group of skaters, both in participation and injury. Although 10- to 14-year-olds account for 60% of injuries, in 1996 the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported nearly 1500 injuries in individuals 65 years and over. Risk factors for injury include inexperience, aggressive skating and amount of time spent skating. There are also more recent data to suggest that self-reported expert skaters are more likely to sustain an injury. Reluctance to use personal protective equipment (PPE) by in-line skaters remains high. The general consensus is that PPE is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of in-line skating injuries. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase awareness of risk factors for injury in all skaters; to increase use of safety equipment; to provide safe environments for skating; and to legislate skating laws that will protect skaters from injuries.

Use of protective equipment by in-line skaters: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of protective equipment use (that is, helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads) in a representative sample of in-line skaters.

SETTING

Fifteen municipalities throughout the province of British Columbia.

METHOD

A province-wide observational survey was conducted in the summer of 1999. Skaters were observed at four types of sites (commuter, recreational, neighbourhood, general community) in 15 municipalities to provide a representative sample of in-line skaters.

RESULTS

The observed use of protective equipment by the 877 in-line skaters was relatively low: wrist guards 25%, helmets 13%, elbow pads 14%, and knee pads 10%.

CONCLUSION

Despite the availability of relatively inexpensive protective equipment, few in-line skaters take advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves from injury. Policies and programs that serve to increase the use of protective equipment by in-line skaters are needed to help reduce the frequency of skating related injuries.

Safety behavior of in-line skaters

OBJECTIVES AND SETTING

Injuries from in-line skating have risen sharply in many cities around the world. To understand risk taking behavior and safety practices associated with urban in-line skating, 2210 outdoor skaters were observed in Boston, Massachusetts.

METHODS

Estimated age, gender, use of helmets, wrist guards, elbow and kneepads were recorded. Skaters were coded as beginner, average, or advanced, and skating locations were classified as street, sidewalk, or bicycle path.

RESULTS

About 60% of skaters wore wrist guards, but only 5.7% wore helmets. Males wore less protective equipment than females, and were more likely to skate on streets. Beginners and advanced skaters wore more protective gear than average skaters. Surprisingly, street skaters wore less protective gear than skaters on sidewalks or paths.

CONCLUSIONS

Renewed focus on the importance of wearing helmets is needed. Given the higher injury risks for males, clinicians and public health experts need to target male skaters in prevention efforts. In addition, average and advanced skaters need to be convinced that even though they have improved, it is still important to wear protective gear.

Preventing in-line skating injuries: how effective are the countermeasures?

There was a six-fold growth in participation in in-line skating in the US from 1989 to 1996 and a concomitant increase in injuries. Similar trends have been reported in Canada, the UK, Denmark and Australia. Falls, mostly from loss of balance, are a common cause of injury. Falling skaters typically put one or both hands out to break their fall and land on a hard surface with the upper limb sustaining the injury. Approximately one-quarter of all in-line skating injuries are wrist fractures. Hospital emergency department data shows that skaters aged 10 to 14 years are most at risk for injury. First-time skaters, inexperienced skaters and experienced skaters trying new tricks are also at risk for injury. In-line skating injuries can be severe, with several deaths reported. Measures to prevent in-line skating injury include: wearing personal protective equipment (wrist guards, helmets, knee and elbow pads); improving environmental conditions for skaters; providing lessons, particularly for novice skaters; certification for skating instructors; encouraging physical preparation; educating skaters about safety; improving equipment design and standards; and refining government policy and regulation in consultation with skating groups. Few of these measures have been formally proven to reduce injury. Controlled evaluations of the currently advocated methods are needed to establish their efficacy. More biomechanical and epidemiological research is needed, particularly in the area of wrist/forearm injury prevention. Given the rapid increase in popularity of in-line skating and the potential for a related epidemic of moderate to serious injuries, research into in-line skating injury prevention should be a priority.