Influence of voluntary standards and design modifications on trampoline injury in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

There was little evidence for an effect of the voluntary standard on spring and frame injury and none for multiple-user injury. Netted trampolines appear to be associated with a decrease in falls from trampolines but an increase in injuries to multiple users. A mandated trampoline safety standard and a safety campaign including warnings about multiple users is recommended. Continued monitoring of injury data will be required.

Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries

“…40 Falls off trampolines have been associated with increased severity of injuries, such as fractures necessitating surgery, and higher admission rates. 3,10,24,41 Despite the low occurrence of falls off of trampolines as the injury mechanism at trampoline parks (4% of TPIs), our study found higher admission rate for TPIs, suggesting other reasons for more severe injuries. Flips have been recognized as carrying high risk, including risk of spinal cord injury.…”

“…However, there are often multiple jumpers, a practice associated with increased risk for injury on trampolines. 4,8,12,15,23,24 To our knowledge, there have been no published studies focusing on injuries at trampoline parks. This study investigates national trends in trampoline park injuries (TPIs) and compares demographic features and injury characteristics between TPIs and home trampoline injuries (HTIs).…”

Australian trampoline injury patterns and trends

“…An analysis of ED data in Victoria showed an annual increase of 18% in multi-user injuries over a nine-year period, which was significantly higher than the overall annual increase of 13%. 3 This analysis also showed that the youngest age group (0-4 year olds) were over-represented for this type of injury compared to other types of trampoline injury. Similarly, there may be an increased likelihood that older children and teenagers attempt risky manoeuvres if the fear of a fall from the trampoline is ameliorated.…”

“…2 Despite stakeholders' continuing efforts to improve trampoline safety, the trajectory of trampoline injury requiring hospital treatment continues to climb. 3 In Australia, the response to the growing number of injuries has focused on developing and revising an Australian Standard (AS) for trampolines that includes measurable safety design features engineered to reduce the risk of injury. The first voluntary AS for trampolines, AS 4989-2003: Trampolines, was published in 2003 and set out requirements for components and design as well as specifying information on assembly and maintenance.…”

Paediatric injury from indoor trampoline centres

“…Public health and prevention initiatives in Australia, and elsewhere, have largely focused on domestic home trampolines, including education campaigns and the development of a voluntary national standards for trampoline design and manufacturing (Australian Standard 4989–2015, American Standard ASTM F24.60) 6 7. This standard includes requirements pertaining to spring and frame padding design, protection of sharp edges, safety marking and labelling and consumer information.…”