Video analysis of falls experienced by paediatric iceskaters and roller/inline skaters

Abstract

This study found that paediatric iceskaters and roller/inline skaters fall similarly and that both types of skaters try to break their falls with their arms or hands; however, because iceskating takes place on a low friction surface, attempts to break falls with the arms or hands are often unsuccessful, leading to head and face injuries. The development of a new type of protective gear, a wrist guard with a non-slip palm, should stop iceskaters from striking the head, protect against upper extremity fractures, and unlike a bulky helmet, should not discourage children from skating.

Patients With Ice Hockey Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments, 1990–2006

“…Parents must keep in mind that even though noncontact activities such as skating and puck handling may seem low risk, the potential for injury by falls or through incidental contact is always present. As indicated in previous research, 31 children falling on ice are more likely to sustain a facial injury than are children falling on land, because their hands often slip when they are trying to break the fall. Thus, coaches and athletic trainers should stress to parents and guardians of young children that helmets with full face shields and mouth guards need to be worn every time the players are on the ice, whether during an organized competition or practice or during recreational play.…”

Implementation of an all-ages mandatory helmet policy for ice skating

“…However, injury associated with ice skating is significant: between 2006 and 2011, more than 4000 Canadians were admitted to hospital for injuries suffered while ice skating 1. Ice skating poses an especially high risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the slippery ice surface;2 13.3% of ice skaters who present to the emergency department have sustained a TBI and 4.3% experience concussions 3…”

Head Injuries in Winter Sports: Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding, Snowmobiling, Ice Skating and Ice Hockey

“…37,38 Ice skating falls causing head injury are predominantly from falling forward, and involve head contact with the ice surface. 39 Helmet use is widely recommended as a means to reduce the risk of head injury in ice skating. 38,39 The observation that, during forward falls, the ice skater often attempts to brace against the ice with outstretched hands, has also led to the recommendation of a wrist-guard with a non-slip palm to protect the skater against head and wrist injury.…”

“…39 Helmet use is widely recommended as a means to reduce the risk of head injury in ice skating. 38,39 The observation that, during forward falls, the ice skater often attempts to brace against the ice with outstretched hands, has also led to the recommendation of a wrist-guard with a non-slip palm to protect the skater against head and wrist injury. 39 Although ice skating fatalities are rare, the authors recently were involved in a case of a helmetless 4-year-old female who died from a severe head injury after she fell while skating, following which she had another skater land on her.…”