A Measurement of ‘Walking-the-Wall’ Dynamics: An Observational Study Using Accelerometry and Sensors to Quantify Risk Associated with Vertical Wall Impact Attenuation in Trampoline Parks

Abstract

This study illustrates the application of a tri-axial accelerometer and gyroscope sensor device on a trampolinist performing the walking-the-wall manoeuvre on a high-performance trampoline to determine the performer dynamic conditions. This research found that rigid vertical walls would allow the trampolinist to obtain greater control and retain spatial awareness at greater levels than what is achievable on non-rigid vertical walls. With a non-rigid padded wall, the reaction force from the wall can be considered a variable force that is not constrained, and would not always provide the feedback that the trampolinist needs to maintain the balance with each climb up the wall and fall from height. This research postulates that unattenuated vertical walls are safer than attenuated vertical walls for walking-the-wall manoeuvres within trampoline park facilities. This is because non-rigid walls would provide higher g-force reaction feedback from the wall, which would reduce the trampolinist’s control and stability. This was verified by measuring g-force on a horizontal rigid surface versus a non-rigid surface, where the g-force feedback was 27% higher for the non-rigid surface. Control and stability are both critical while performing the complex walking-the-wall manoeuvre. The trampolinist experienced a very high peak g-force, with a maximum g-force of approximately 11.5 g at the bottom of the jump cycle. It was concluded that applying impact attenuation padding to vertical walls used for walking-the-wall and similar activities would increase the likelihood of injury; therefore, padding of these vertical surfaces is not recommended.

Benefit–Risk Assessment in Sport and Recreation: Historical Development and Review of AS ISO 4980:2023

“…Trampolining provides the participant with many benefits [78,87]. It also exposes the participant to risks [72].…”

Trampoline Stiffness Estimation by Using Robotic System for Quantitative Evaluation of Jumping Exercises

“…In trampoline competitions, the correlation between the flight time of straight jumps and the balance of skeletal muscle mass and occlusal balance is analyzed [ 12 ]. Employing a three-axis accelerometer and gyroscope sensor device on the trampolinist, various dynamic conditions are determined [ 13 ]. By comparing the acceleration characteristics of three different trampoline models, differences in maximum acceleration and jerk based on these models are confirmed [ 14 ].…”

Investigation into the Trampoline Dynamic Characteristics and Analysis of Double Bounce Vibrations

“…While most injuries in trampolining are caused by dismounting, impacting the trampoline frame, colliding with nearby objects, and becoming caught in the springs [18][19][20][21][22][23][24], a lesser reported risk relates to the excessive impact forces caused by gravitational acceleration of the user as they fall from height above the trampoline. For single users, the risk of serious impact can be mitigated if the users can control their bounce height and landing posture [25]. However, injuries associated with shared use of a trampoline are more difficult to prevent because the bounce height and interaction with the trampoline of one user are strongly affected by the kinetic energy associated with other users [26,27].…”