Eighty-seven percent of mini-trampoline and 89 percent of full-sized trampoline injuries occurred at home, researchers found. 'We concur with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations that trampolines should be used as training devices, not toys.'

Researchers at Columbus Children's Research Institute (CCRI) at Columbus Children's Hospital in Ohio analyzed data from 137 mini trampoline and 143 large trampoline-related injuries.

They found that 32 percent of mini trampoline injuries and 19 percent of large trampoline injuries were suffered by children younger than 6 years of age.

Head Lacerations

Children under age 6 were more likely to be injured on a mini trampoline and those injuries were more likely to be head lacerations, compared with children aged 6 to 17, who were more likely to suffer lower extremity strains or sprains, whether they were on a mini or full-sized trampoline.

Girls were more likely than boys to be injured on both mini and large trampolines. Injuries suffered on large trampolines were more likely than mini trampoline-related injuries to result in hospitalization, the study found.

Falls on the Trampoline

"The majority of trampoline falls that result in injury are falls on the trampoline, not off," lead author Brenda Shields, research coordinator at the CCRI's Center for Injury Research and Policy, said in a prepared statement.

"Further, our research showed that 87 percent of mini trampoline and 89 percent of full-sized trampoline injuries occurred at home. Based on our findings, we concur with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations that trampolines should be used as training devices, not toys," Shields said.

More information: The American Academy of Pediatrics has more about trampoline safety.