Scientific report
Skateboard injuries in children and adolescents

https://doi.org/10.1016/0197-0070(90)90087-IGet rights and content

Abstract

Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show an increase in skateboard injuries since 1984. This study analyzed reports of injuries in children and adolescents who use skateboards and the use of protective clothing by skateboard users. A convenience sample of 94 users, aged 6–18 years, in a metropolitan HMO was evaluated by questionnaire. Significant injuries associated with skateboard use (lacerations, unconsciousness, fractures, or other) were reported by 13% of the subjects. Frequency of skateboard use was strongly associated (p < 0.01), with significant injury. Use of protective clothing was not associated with a lower proportion of injured users. Older adolescents reported a higher proportion of injuries than younger adolescents or children did. These findings suggest a high injury prevalence among skateboard users. Prevention strategies should be critically evaluated and should not rely solely on the use of protective clothing.

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There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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    Findings from this study offer new insights into what appears to be an expanding population of high injury risk skateboarders, namely those 18 years of age and older. Most of the medical literature on skateboard-related injuries since the early 1970s has focussed on the injury problem in children and adolescents.13,19,20,22,26,34–37 A few authors have reported skateboard injuries among adults, but did not provide detailed description of their populations or their injuries.12,17,24,27

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  • Pediatric and adolescent injury in skateboarding

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This work was presented, in part, to the Southern Society for Pediatric Research, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2, 1989.

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