Trampoline safety study supports spring-free design

For Immediate Release

Trampoline safety study supports spring-free design

Published findings show pads and enclosures on traditional trampolines are not effective at reducing injury

Christchurch, New Zealand (July 10, 2012) –

"Non-traditional" trampoline design can reduce injuries by 30 to 80 per cent according to a new study led by play equipment safety expert Associate Professor David Eager from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Published in this month's Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, the study examines data from trampolines specifically designed to prevent injury compared with the results of an earlier study of traditional trampolines fitted with pads and netting enclosures.

“These findings are the first to clearly demonstrate that it is possible through good engineering to design a trampoline that significantly reduces the magnitude and severity of trampoline-related injuries,” said Dr. Eager.

“It is vital for all parents to understand that “traditional” trampolines fitted with pads and netting enclosures do not necessarily provide a safer jumping surface, however soft-edge spring-free designs do, and they could help save thousands of children from ending up in emergency rooms with injuries from these backyard favorites.”

The study scrutinized data from 3,817 participants who own a “soft-edge” Springfree Trampoline, as compared to data from the pilot study on “traditional” spring-based trampolines. The study previously concluded that traditional trampoline designs with padding and enclosures do not effectively reduce injuries. In this new study, Dr. Eager and his team found that soft-edge trampoline designs reduce injuries to jumpers by 30-80 percent. This design significantly reduces two of the five main causes of trampoline injuries: falling off, and impact with the frame, springs or equipment. The other main causes of injury include multiple jumpers, hurting one’s self, and getting on or off, all of which can only be controlled by the user’s actions.

Springfree trampolines were invented by Dr. Keith Alexander at the University of Canterbury. Professor Alexander is currently the Director of the University's Product Innovation Centre.

In Australia, where the study was undertaken, 83 percent of trampoline injures are caused by children falling off the equipment or coming into contact with the frame and springs. According to Dr. Eager, injuries caused by falling off and impact with the frame, springs or equipment are over represented in the most severe injury categories, such as spinal and head injuries.

“We now have evidence that shows the most serious injuries can be eliminated through good engineering design.” said Dr. Eager.

There is no mandatory minimum safety standard for trampolines sold in New Zealand.

Dr. Eager expressed concern that traditional trampolines are a huge source of potential danger to children being sold under the false pretense of safety, and should be replaced with “soft-edge” spring-free designs. He also advocated for further regulations and standards to ensure injury prevention on trampolines, as current trampoline standards in New Zealand and Australia do not prevent the sale of dangerous products or their use by children.

To learn more about the study, please visit the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02426.x/abstract

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About Dr. David Eager

Dr. David Eager is an Australian researcher and professor, specializing in injury prevention as it relates to children’s play equipment and other associated structures, and is considered the country’s foremost expert on trampoline safety. Dr. Eager holds a PhD in engineering, and is the deputy chair of the academic board for the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and an associate professor within the Faculty of Engineering at UTS. He is also a board member of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (Kidsafe), and an internationally-registered and certificated Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII) playground inspector (Level 3) qualified to conduct annual and post-installation, operational, and routine playground inspections. To learn more about Dr. Eager, please visit his UTS profile page here.

ENDS

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