Now that spring and summer
time has arrived parents want their children to get outside into the fresh air
and get exercise. Now, I am not a fan of trampolines and if you are planning on
purchasing one I suggest not to and look at other options for exercise for your
child.
Many heath professionals will
deter parents from purchasing a trampoline. This is a quote from the Canadian
Paediatric society. “Health care
professionals, including family physicians and paediatricians, should warn
parents of the dangers of trampolines as a recreational toy at routine health
care visits. Parents should be advised to avoid the purchase of trampolines for
the home because enclosures and adequate supervision are no guarantee against
injury. “
Recommendations are also
made to not allow a child under 6 to use a trampoline.
Children are growing and developing
and their bones and muscular system are immature and weak and cannot handle the
impact and repetitive injury. The bones are soft and can bend and flex causing
a higher rate of fractures and ‘bending’ of the bones requiring casting and
possibly surgery. The children can also obtain sprain strains and soft tissue
injuries in their spine and extremities.
Multiple authors and
organizations, including the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and Safe
Kids Canada, have called for the elimination of trampolines in the home
environment as recreational play equipment or for an outright ban on
trampolines under any circumstances for the paediatric age group. There were
4,247 reported cases of trampoline injuries treated in emergency rooms across
15 hospitals between 2005-2006 and 2009-2010.
Over my 20 years in practice
I have seen many trampoline related injuries such as spinal trauma,
sprain/strains, neck injuries, low back and mid back injuries and fractures
requiring casting and surgery.
Dr. Joelle Johnson BSc, DC practices
in Red Deer at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness 142 Erickson Drive
403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca
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