Development of safer recreational trampolines

Abstract

Recent research in New Zealand showed that trampoline injuries had risen 300 per cent in the preceding 10 years and that 2800 people (almost 0.1 per cent of the population) had been seen each year in hospitals as a result. These injuries arose from unsupervised recreational use of trampolines in backyards and playgrounds. Researchers and trampoline enthusiasts offered preventative measures which, while effective, were in many cases incompatible with how recreational trampolines were inevitably used. The present author believed that many of the injuries would be prevented if trampolines could be redesigned to remove the steel frame, springs and the holes between the springs from around the jumping area. As a result several soft-edged trampolines were built and tested. Tests were developed to compare performance with conventional trampolines. Edge stiffness was compared with standards for safety pads on trampoline frames. Market and production requirements were also significant since the new units need to compete with mature competitors. One solution that appears to meet most requirements is close to market release. This is described and compared with conventional recreational trampolines.