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As trampolines have increased in popularity, unfortunately so has the rate
of injuries. Predominantly, these are limited to sprains or minor abrasions gained from jumping mistakes or accidental falls; however,
in a limited number of cases, serious injuries may occur to all parts of the body, from the head and neck to the arms and legs. In
these more serious cases head and neck injuries are the most serious, instances which may even lead to partial or full paralysis in the user.
These injuries most commonly occur when children attempt unsupervised and untrained back flips and land on their head or neck. For this reason,
trampolines are not recommended for children under 6 years of age and flips are highly discouraged.
For all other users, supervision, or ‘spotting’, is highly
recommended to prevent serious injury, as is professional trampoline training for front and back flips. Despite this, it is essential
to note that more than half of trampoline injuries do occur under parental supervision. Safety padding and nets can greatly reduce the
risk of injury from falling and the use of these is strongly recommended.
Most serious injuries occur when two children or more are using a trampoline simultaneously.
According to the University of Michigan Medical School, the lighter person in this instance is five times more likely to become injured
then the more heavier person (see http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_trampinj_hhg.htm). It is thus essential for safety that only on
person use the trampoline at a time.
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