There will be hardly any kid in the world, not enjoy bouncing up and down on a trampoline. But, according to experts, it will not take much time before the thrill becomes a risky experience.
The study initiated by the American Academy of Pediatrics and published Sept. 24, Monday in the journal Pediatrics found nearly 100,000 injuries associated with trampoline among children. In majority of the cases, the injuries occur when more than one child uses trampoline at the same time.
However, Dr. Michele LaBotz and colleagues found safety measures like netting enclosures, padding and one kid at a time rule not helping to reduce the risks associated with the accidents.
Researchers caution parents and care takers about the hidden risks associated with using trampolines and recommend young children to abstain from using trampolines for recreational use in home.
According to the report, a significant number of injuries (75 percent) occur when multiple numbers of children use the device. Dislocations and fractures affected about 48 percent of children.
"This is something kids really like. It's fun and it's something you can do in your backyard. It doesn't have a motor attached. And all of that give parents a false sense of security, especially when you add in safety devices like nets," Dr. Barbara A. Gaines, director of trauma and injury prevention at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, told NBC News. "But this statement is highlighting the fact that there are no data showing that they make it any safer."
However, according to the trampoline makers, the report is not providing the actual situation.
"The dramatic drop in the number of injuries is the result of safety enclosures," Mark Publicover, CEO of San Jose, Calif.-based JumpSport, who created the first trampoline safety net enclosure told USA Today. "It's had the same effect for trampolines that bicycle helmets have had for bike safety."
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), children aged six or below should not be allowed to use trampoline as large number of children are being rushed to hospitals for trampoline related injuries every year. Sprains and fractures are the most common injuries being reported.
Following are the guidelines issued by AAOS to prevent trampoline related injuries:
* Allow children to use trampolines only under adult supervision
* Follow proper safety precautions
* Do not use trampoline for recreational activity and only for physical education or similar activities
* Only one child should use trampoline at a time
* The trampoline-jumping surface should be kept at ground level
* Install protective padding for supporting bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces
* Remove trampoline ladders after use
