Milford chronicle., 1960-12-16
sTrampoline Acrobatics
+ Can Cripple Or Kill

Trampoline acrobatics perform
ed by unframed amateurs can
cause crippling and even fatal in
juries, the Journal of the Ameri-
can Medical Association said to-
day.
In a strong warning against the
dangers of increased popularity of
tra m mpolin tumbling among
novices in the absence of proper
supervision or competent instruc-
ton. the current (Nov.26) Journal
said physicians and health agen-
cies throughout the nation should
be alerted to the problem.
Recent improvements in equip
ment design have reduced the
number of minor injuries which
result from striking the solid sup
porting structures, though these
continue to occur" the Journal said
in an editorial.
"But the most dangerous place
on the tramploine is still the
center of the mat. Here may occur
the serious, permanently crippling,
or even fatal injuries, those from
acute flexion (bending) of the
cervical spine"
In an accompanying article,
William G. Ellis, MD; David
Green, B.S.; Norman r. Holzaepfel,
MA, and A. l.. Saba, MD, formers
on the trampoline has been par
alleled by rise in the number of
injuries sustained during its use.
when the maneuvers are per-
formered imperfectly or incom-
pletely, they lead only to disaster,
they said.
Five cases of severe injuries to
the nervous system resulting from
trampoline accidents were report
ed. All were men, ranging in age
from IL to 38. Three developed
paralysis of both arms and both
legs. The maneuver that led to the
accident in four instances was the
backward somersault. Two accid-
ents occurred in a well-equipped
veri ST ty gymnasium under
direct supervision of trained per-
sOnnel.
The fatality involved a 19-year-
old member of a university gym
nastics team. While practicing on
the trampoline he performed an
elementary back drop, landing on
his shoulders and back. He immedi-
ately became numb and paralyzed
in his arms and legs. Examination
revealed dislocation of a bone of
the spinal cord. He died IA days
later.
In another care, a 38-year-old
railroad brakeman who had not
exercised on trampoline for 20
years t I m PIT e d a backward
somersault, landed on his head and
shoulders and became paralyzed in
his arms and legs.
A similar paralyzing eff e
occurred in a 17-year-old high
school senior who failed to COM
plete a backward somersault and
landed on the back of his neck.
The accident happened after he
had been working out on the
trampoline for eight hours.
"Any unsupervised sport carries
with it certain dangers" the auth
ors concluded.
Gymnastics is no exception
The chief hazard lies in attempt
ing difficult gymnastics feats be-
fore mastering the fundamentals.
Attempts at somersaulting, both
backward and forward, are the
In !, hn
trampoline. Ten hours is a min
imum training period before
somersaulting should be attempt
ed"
The authors urged local depart
ments of health to establish min
imum regulat tions concerning
trampoline amusement centers.
These regulations should cover the
following points:
~ The presence of qualified in
structors at all times.
Type of equipment and their
continued repair.
Minimum number of persons
on trampoline at the same time.
Minimum distances between
trampolines and between tramp
Olines and other distractions.
Prohibition of eating on tram
polines.
Proper lighting.
Enforced rest periods.
Compulsory wearing of shirts
and socks while jumping.
Registration of patrons, in
cluding whom to contact in case of
accident and previous gymnastic
experience.
"A training program for the
patrons before they attempt such
maneuvers as somersaults, particu-
larly for children who may not
appreciate the risks involved.
"If these suggested regulations
were carried out by the many
supervisors of trampoline centers,
trampolines could become an ex-
cellent and safe means of en-
ticing the normally indolent Amer
ican into healthful exercise" the
LAMA. editorial said.