Get A Jump On Injury Prevention - Trampoline Safety Strategies Can Decrease The Number And Severity Of Related Injuries

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 07 Aug 2007 - 3:00 PST

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Although trampolines were once found only in gymnasiums, in recent years, it has become increasingly common to see kids using them in their own backyards. While athletes use trampolines under the supervision of coaches and other experts, home users rarely take such precautions, leaving themselves at risk for injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends that trampoline users take care to protect themselves.

In 2006, more than 272,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for trampoline-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

"Trampolines are frequently high off the ground, and jumpers tend to be young children," says Steven J. Morgan, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the Academy. "Additionally, two or more people often jump at the same time. If care is not taken, this situation provides major opportunities for injuries."

The Academy offers the following recommendations to prevent trampoline-related injuries:

-- Use of trampolines for physical education, competitive gymnastics, diving training and other similar activities requires careful adult supervision and proper safety measures.

-- Trampolines should not be used for unsupervised recreational activity.

-- Competent adult supervision and instruction is needed for children at all times.

-- Only one participant should use a trampoline at any time.

-- Spotters should be present when participants are jumping. Somersaults and other high-risk maneuvers should be avoided without proper supervision and instruction; these maneuvers should be done only with proper use of protective equipment, such as harnesses.

-- The trampoline-jumping surface should be placed close to ground level.

-- The supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces should have adequate protective padding.

-- The padding, springs, jumping surface and other trampoline parts should be checked regularly for to ensure that they are intact.

-- Safety net enclosures are not a substitute for supervision. They do not prevent many injuries, as most occur on the trampoline surface.

-- Trampolines are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

-- Make sure trampoline ladders are removed after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children.

More information on exercise and sports-related injury prevention: click here.

Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons