A recent study on trampoline injuries might make you think twice about taking your child to a trampoline park, or even letting them bounce on a trampoline at home.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, uncovered a 12-fold surge in emergency room visits for injuries at trampoline parks in recent years, mostly among kids and teens. In 2010, just under 600 people wound up in the ER after injuring themselves at a trampoline park. By 2014, that number had catapulted to almost 7,000 people.
Injuries to the lower body such as sprains and fractures were most common, although there were a few more serious injuries such as damage to the spine and skull fractures. A majority of patients were male and the average age of injury was 13, although injuries affected all age groups.
The big spike in trampoline park injuries is likely because these venues have multiplied rapidly in recent years. The number of parks grew from 25 to 350 during the period studied, the researchers found.
But home trampolines can be dangerous too. In fact, most trampoline injuries – about 60,000 a year – occurred on home trampolines, the study said.
So what can you do to keep your young bouncer safe? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against allowing kids on trampolines for recreational use altogether.
But if real life gets in the way (think birthday parties and friends’ trampolines), or you simply must have a trampoline at home, the AAP offers this advice:
•Always ensure there is adult supervision
•Only allow one jumper on the trampoline at a time
•No somersaults or flips (these increase the risk of head and neck injuries)
•Make sure the trampoline has enough protective padding and is in good condition
Do your children enjoy trampoline parks, or have a trampoline at home? Do you worry about them getting injured?
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