Backyard trampolines can be great fun and provide good exercise, but based on the statistical evidence of the dangers involved, several prominent medical organizations discourage their use. If you decide to have a backyard trampoline, you should be aware of the risks and practice strict safety procedures to minimize the chances of an accident.
Statistics
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that in 2003, more than 210,000 children were treated for injuries sustained on a trampoline, and almost half of those injuries occurred in children ages 5 to 10. Sprains and fractures were the most common injuries. In a separate study by Drs. Nysted and Drogset reported in 2006 in British Journal of Sports Medicine, 74 percent of the injuries occurred when more than one person was on the trampoline.
Guidelines
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend trampolines should not be used at home or on school playgrounds, but only in athletic facilities with direct supervision by a qualified instructor. They recommend that children younger than 6 years of age should not use a trampoline at all.
Set-Up
If you decide to buy a trampoline for your back yard, set it up on a flat area, surrounded by grass, mulch or some other forgiving surface. You need a safe area larger than the circumference of the trampoline itself because of the risk of a user bouncing far off of the trampoline bed. Inspect the area frequently to be sure the trampoline is not tilting off to one side. The area should be free of overhead dangers like electrical wires or tree branches.
Features
The trampoline should come with padding to completely cover the metal borders of the bed and the springs themselves. Inspect the springs and padding frequently for rust and wear. Some companies offer a net to surround the trampoline. However, a net can offer a false sense of security because according to the study by Drs. Nysted and Drogset, most injuries occur when a jumper falls on the bed of the trampoline, and a net cannot contain a jumper who is completely out of control.
Use
Children should be supervised at all times while using a trampoline. Teach jumpers how to stop their bounce by strongly bending their knees. Never allow more than one person on the trampoline at a time because many injuries occur from children colliding, or the bounce of one person throwing another jumper out of control. Children should not try to flip on a backyard trampoline unless they were previously taught to flip by a qualified instructor in a class.
References
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Position Statement
- American Academy of Pediatrics: News
- British Journal of Sports Medicine; "Trampoline Injuries"; M. Nysted and J.O. Drogset; February 2006.
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