Preventing In-line skating (rollerblading) Injuries - 
(Article from Sport & Recreation Victoria website)

Rollerblading (aka in-line skating) has emerged as an increasingly popular recreational activity in Australia. Rollerblading is used for transportation and recreation, appeals to all ages and has low participation costs. The increase in popularity has led to a rapid increase in the annual number of emergency department injury presentations related to rollerblading since 1990.

How many in-line skaters?

A capital city market research survey indicated that 10% of the Australian population over 15 years of age participated in rollerblading and/or roller skating in 1996, representing a 30% growth in participation from the previous year's survey

Who is injured?

	Victorian surveillance data indicates that there were at least 838 in-line injury presentations to hospital emergency departments over the two year period 1996 and 1997
	87% of injured in-line skaters who presented to Victorian emergency departments were aged 5 to 19 years (average age 11 years).
	17% of injured in-line skaters who present to Australian hospital emergency departments require admission.

The causes and types of injuries

	The main risk factors for injury are: the speed at which the skater travels, obstacles, lack of braking ability, and hard landing surfaces.
	Falls are the most common cause of injury, accounting for 77% of rollerblading injuries presenting to Victorian hospital emergency departments.
	Falls usually occur onto an outstretched arm on a hard landing surface. The wrist is particularly vulnerable to injury.
	Upper limbs are most commonly injured and are particularly susceptible to fractures, sp rains and strains.
	Approximately 5% of rollerblading injuries are to the head.
	Falls typically involve two groups: young novice or beginner skaters wearing little or no safety gear, who either spontaneously lose their balance while skating outdoors or fall after striking a road defect or some debris OR experienced skaters performing tricks, often at considerable speed.

SAFETY TIPS FOR ROLLERBLADING

Prepare well

Warm up and cool down, including adequate stretching, before and after skating may assist the prevention of overuse injuries.

Take lessons

	Undertake skating lessons to improve confidence and technique, including: proper balancing, braking and falling techniques, and safe skating practices.
	Hiring outlets, rinks and schools should offer and promote skating instruction by certified instructors.
	Local certification training for instructors should be established.

Wear protective equipment and maintain skates

	Protective equipment provides a hard protective barrier between the body and the ground, absorbing or dissipating potentially injurious energy.
	ALL skaters should wear and ensure proper fit of protective equipment, including: helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.
	Because the risk of head injury is greatest for younger skaters, it is especially important to ensure young children wear helmets when skating.
	Hiring outlets and rinks should offer complete protective equipment as a package deal with skate hire.
	Skaters should ensure proper fit and condition of skates, including properly adjusted heel brakes.

Provide supervision

	Carers should actively supervise children and novices until they develop sufficient skills to skate safely
	Ensure all novice skaters are able to stop using their heel brake
	Inst ruct novice skaters to skate with their knees bent and their weight forward (over their toes rather than their heels), which allows them to fall forwards rather than backwards.

Provide a safe environment

Local councils should designate and maintain areas free of traffic, crowds, debris and surface irregularities for the use of in-line skaters.

Other safety tips

	Use a broad spectrum sunscreen in high UV conditions.
	Wear bright or reflective clothing if skating at night.

References

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