As number of kids’ trampoline parks increases, so do broken bones: study

New Orleans — Trampoline-related fractures among children increased an average of nearly 3.9% over a recent 10-year period, coinciding with the rise in popularity of trampoline parks and gyms, say researchers from Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Analyzing 2008-2017 data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, the researchers found that trampoline-related injuries accounted for about 6.2% of all fractures among children during the final year of the study period – up from approximately 3.6% in 2008.

Results also show that during every year of the study, a child was 32% more likely to suffer a fracture at a recreation facility, such as a trampoline park or gym, than at home.

“While trampolines are a great source of fun and exercise for children, the potential for injury, particularly in recreational areas with an underlying business incentive, needs to be recognized by parents and health care providers,” study author Nancy Hadley-Miller, who specializes in orthopaedic surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado, said in an Oct. 25 press release from the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Historically, advocacy campaigns have focused on trampoline injuries in the home. However, our study indicates that future messages to parents and legislators should also focus on injuries that happen in these entertainment facilities and businesses outside of the home.”

The data was presented during the AAP 2019 National Conference & Exhibition.