Using a Safety Net and Following the Safety Instructions Could Prevent Half the Paediatric Trampoline Injuries

Abstract

Introduction: The number of recreational trampolines in Finnish households has increased. There also appears to be a drastic increase in trampoline-related injuries among paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to quantify and describe trampoline-related injuries in North Finnish paediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical data was used in the study, covering children 16 years and younger treated for trampoline-related injuries at Oulu University Hospital over a five-month period of time from May 1 to September 30, 2005. Medical records were reviewed and additional details regarding the injuries were obtained by questionnaire. Results: Altogether 76 patients were treated for trampoline-related injuries, which represented 13.4 % of all paediatric accidental trauma patients. In 57 accidents (86 %), there had been multiple jumpers on the trampoline. Twenty-five of the injuries (38 %) had occurred on the trampoline, in 25 cases (38 %) a child had fallen off, in 8 cases (12 %) there had been a collision with another jumper and the person had jumped onto a trampoline from a high platform in 5 incidents (8 %). Only 3 children (5 %) hurt themselves on the trampoline when jumping alone. Orthopaedic procedures requiring general anaesthesia were necessary in a total of 31 cases (41 %). Conclusions: The study shows that 50 % of traumas (falling off and collisions) could have been avoided by using a safety net and by jumping one at a time. The importance of following safety instructions and the need for a safety net should be emphasised to both the supervising adults and the children.

Key words

trampoline - injury - children - recreation - prevention of injuries

References

• 1 American Academy of Pediatrics . Trampolines at home, school, and recreational centers.  Pediatrics. 1999;  103 1053-1056
• 2 Begg C, Hort J, Fahy F, McCaskill M. G67 injury patterns, demographics and risk factors in paediatric trampoline injuries: an Australian experience.  Arch Dis Child. 2006;  91 (Suppl 1) A30
• 3 Bhangal K K, Neen D, Dodds R. Incidence of trampoline related pediatric fractures in a large district general hospital in the United Kingdom: lessons to be learnt.  Inj Prev. 2006;  12 133-134
• 4 Black G B, Amadeo R. Orthopedic injuries associated with backyard trampoline use in children.  Can J Surg. 2003;  46 199-201
• 5 Brown P G, Lee M. Trampoline injuries of the cervical spine.  Pediatr Neurosurg. 2000;  32 170-175
• 6 Chalmers D J, Hume P A, Wilson B D. Trampolines in New Zealand: a decade of injuries.  Br J Sports Med. 1994;  28 234-238
• 7 Crowther R G, Spinks W L, Leicht A S, Spinks C D. Kinematic responses to plyometric exercises conducted on compliant and noncompliant surfaces.  J Strength Cond Res. 2007;  21 460-465
• 8 Erichsen H, Bottcher H. Trampoline therapy with brain-injured children and adolescents (German).  Rehabilitation. 1976;  15 100-102
• 9 Furnival R A, Street K A, Schunk J E. Too many pediatric trampoline injuries.  Pediatrics. 1999;  103 e57
• 10 Heitkamp H C, Horstmann T, Mayer F, Weller J, Dickhuth H H. Gain in strength and muscular balance after balance training.  Int J Sports Med. 2001;  22 285-290
• 11 Hurson C, Browne K, Callender O, O'Donnell T, O'Neill A, Moore D P, Fogarty E E, Dowling F E. Pediatric trampoline injuries.  J Pediatr Orthop. 2007;  27 729-732
• 12 Linakis J G, Mello M J, Machan J, Amanullah S, Palmisciano L M. Emergency department visits for pediatric trampoline-related injuries: an update.  Acad Emerg Med. 2007;  14 539-544
• 13 Maclin 2nd M M. Ulnar nerve injury associated with trampoline injuries.  South Med J. 2004;  97 720-723
• 14 McDermott C, Quinlan J F, Kelly I P. Trampoline injuries in children.  J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. 2006;  88 796-798
• 15 Nysted M, Dregset J O. Trampoline injuries.  Br J Sports Med. 2006;  40 984-987
• 16 Shankar A, Williams K, Ryan M. Trampoline-related injury in children.  Pediatr Emerg Care. 2006;  22 644-646
• 17 Silver J R, Silver D D, Godfrey J J. Trampolining injuries of the spine.  Injury. 1986;  17 117-124
• 18 Smith G A. Injuries to children in the United States related to trampolines, 1990 – 1995: a national epidemic.  Pediatrics. 1998;  101 406-412
• 19 Smith G A, Shields B J. Trampoline-related injuries to children.  Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998;  152 694-699
• 20 Stanghelle J K, Hjeltnes N, Bangstad H J, Michalsen H. Effect of daily short bouts of trampoline exercise during 8 weeks on the pulmonary function and the maximal oxygen uptake of children with cystic fibrosis.  Int J Sports Med. 1988;  9 32-36
• 21 Trampoline Pro Shop. Safety guidelines for trampoline. Trampoline Pro Shop, 1321 East Franklin Street, Hartwell, GA 30643. www.trampoline-1.com .