Protective Equipment for in-Line Skaters

Abstract

In-line skating has burgeoned in popularity in the United States, with participation increasing from 6.2 million in 1991 to 22.5 million by 1995.^1,2 For the uninitiated, in-line skates differ from roller skates in that the wheels — four or five of them — are mounted in series on a frame attached to the skating boot. Speeds of 10 to 17 mph (16 to 27 km per hour) are quite common for routine cruising, and speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km per hour) are not unusual.^3,4 This compares with speeds of 9 mph (15 km per hour) . . .