Design of ergonomic protective gear to improve performance in in-line skating

Abstract

The use of protective equipment amongst inline skaters is dangerously low. This master thesis, addressing the redesign of skating knee pads, aims to study the reasons leading to this behaviour and the current knee pads in the market. With this information, a new design has been created. Understanding that the main reasons for not wearing protective equipment when rollerblading are peer pressure, cost, lack of perceived need, discomfort, inconvenience and aesthetics, the project revolves around solving these issues. The new knee pad is designed for competitive or professional skaters who are looking for a tool to improve their sport performance. It includes electronic components that offer biomètric measurements which can be translated into performance data. Through Bluetooth communication, this information can be viewed by the user on an activity band, mobile phone or computer. The design offers lighter solutions with excellent protective materials, combining them to create a luxury piece of equipment for elite skaters.