Effectiveness of pads and enclosures as safety interventions on consumer trampolines

Abstract

BackgroundTrampolines continue to be a major source of childhood injury.ObjectiveTo examine available data on trampoline injuries in order to determine the effectiveness of padding and enclosures.DesignTrampoline injuries from the NEISS database from 2002 to 2007 were reclassified into five cause-categories, to examine evidence for injury trends.SettingThe ASTM trampoline standard recommendations for safety padding were upgraded in 1999 and enclosures were introduced in 1997. This is the first study to examine the impact of these changes.PatientsThe sampling frame comprises patients with NEISS product code ‘consumer trampolines’ (1233). A systematic sample of 360 patients each year is taken.InterventionsThe prominent interventions recommended by the ASTM are netting enclosures to prevent falling off and safety padding to cover frames and springs.Main outcome measuresProportion of injuries within each cause-category and trend estimates.ResultsThere was no evidence for a decline within the injury cause-categories that should be prevented by these interventions from 2002 to 2007.ConclusionsIf these interventions were effective the associated injury causes would be in decline. Instead they remain close to half of all trampoline injuries with no significant change over the period of the study. Follow-up studies are proposed to determine the reasons. Given the number of injuries involved it is recommended that steps be taken to ensure these safety interventions or their equivalents are in place, work properly and remain effective for the life of consumer trampolines.

Trampoline Safety in Childhood and Adolescence

“…There is a paucity of literature on the effects of netting and other safety measures on injury risk. However, current evidence suggests that the availability of enclosures on the market has not significantly affected the proportions of injuries attributable to falls off the trampoline, 10 and there does not appear to be an inverse correlation between presence of safety equipment and rates of injury. 8 Proposed reasons for lack of efficacy of safety enclosures include positioning of enclosures on the outside of the frame 8 and inappropriate installation and maintenance.…”

“…Concerns have been raised as to whether these recommendations, in addition to other measures proposed in previous policy statements, have substantially affected the rate or severity of injuries. 9,10 Another area of concern included reports of decreased quality of recreational trampoline equipment sold over the 10 Warranty coverage has also decreased since 2004, but the warranty for the frame and mat is consistently found to be greater than for the padding and enclosure nets. This reflects the manufacturers' expectation that the padding and enclosure net will need replacement during the lifetime of the trampoline.…”

“…This reflects the manufacturers' expectation that the padding and enclosure net will need replacement during the lifetime of the trampoline. 10 …”

“…Falls from the trampoline can be severe and accounted for 27% to 39% of all trampoline-associated injuries. 10,16,17 Risk of falling is increased by the "off-balance" bounce that occurs when the trampoline is placed on an uneven surface, and children who fall off the mat are more likely to be injured if they make contact with nearby trees or other ground obstacles.…”

“…8 Proposed reasons for lack of efficacy of safety enclosures include positioning of enclosures on the outside of the frame 8 and inappropriate installation and maintenance. 10 Children are often tempted to climb or grasp the netting, which may be an additional source of injury.…”