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Study: Trampoline injuries bouncing back

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A new study says trampoline injuries are on the rise for kids. This comes as more and more trampoline parks continue to open across the country and right here in central Indiana.

Another Sky Zone park just opened on the south side in August.

Researchers say the most common injuries occurring on trampolines are sprains and fractures, but neck or spinal cord injuries have also been reported and doctors here in Indianapolis even report instances of paralysis.

24-Hour News 8 spoke with IU Heath Methodist trauma surgeon Jamie Coleman who says she treats between 50 and 100 trampoline injuries each year and backs up the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation not to use home trampolines or parks at all.

“Overall our belief is, trampolines are great for training. In terms with what we’ve seen with the Olympics, with diving, with gymnastics, they’re really a key tool that they use, but for recreations use, it’s not really advised,” Dr. Coleman said.

A Sky Zone spokesperson says the number of injuries is only natural with the dramatic increase in trampoline parks.

A statement issued by the International Association of Trampoline Parks said in part, “We believe that the positives of youth recreational sports far outweigh the negatives and we are actively engaged in programs aimed at promoting the safety and well-being of jumpers who visit our member parks.”

According to the International Association of Trampoline Parks, there were just 25 parks nationally in 2010. By 2014, there were about 350 parks and that number continues to grow. The study shows just under 600 injuries were reported in 2010 and by 2014, that number had grown to nearly 7,000. The association says injuries are reported for less than one in 10,000 jumpers. But if you include home trampolines, the study says more than 90,000 injuries are reported each year.

“We recommend for patients to come to the hospital if they lose consciousness. If they don’t remember hitting somebody, they need to come get checked out. Again, if they’re having swelling… just a bump or a bruise, that’s one thing, but when you start seeing swelling or continued pain, absolutely you need to come into the the emergency department and be evaluated,” Dr. Coleman said.

Experts on both side of this topic do offer safety tips for kids who are going to jump. Start by inspecting equipment often, especially your own home trampolines. Adult supervision is strongly advised and limit the number of people on the trampoline, preferably to just one jumper at a time.