Home trampolines are too dangerous, pediatricians say
Doctors group updates its policy statement
Home trampolines may look like fun, but they are “intrinsically dangerous” and should be strongly discouraged, says the co-author of an updated pediatricians’ policy statement.
Even safety features such as netting enclosures do not significantly decrease the risk of injury, says sports medicine specialist Michele LaBotz in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement, published this week in the journal Pediatrics.
Although it says there is insufficient data on safety at trampoline parks, it adds that the equipment does have an acceptable role as part of a structured athletic training program with “appropriate coaching, supervision and safety measures in place.”
A national database estimates that there were 98,000 trampoline-related injuries and 3,100 hospitalizations in 2009, the most recent year for which data are available. That’s down from 112,000 injuries in 2004.
In March, New York Yankees relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain suffered a major ankle injury on a trampoline with his son, 5, at a trampoline park.
Falls, 27% to 39% of all injuries, can cause catastrophic head and neck injuries, says LaBotz.
Still, trampoline makers say the statement is based on insufficient data and fails to acknowledge the health benefits of trampoline use.
“The dramatic drop in the number of injuries is the result of safety enclosures,” says Mark Publicover, CEO of JumpSport in San Jose.
Kids need more exercise, says Arch Adams, president of Fun Spot Trampolines in Hartwell, Ga. Trampoline jumping is “one of the few forms of exercise kids want to do.”