SIMPSONVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
It may be a good way to get your heart pumping as a fun way to exercise, but how safe are trampolines?
It's been a question since the bouncy, "tumbling device" has been around. Over the years, doctors have suggested new and different safety concerns about trampolines.
Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its newest statement "strongly discouraging" at-home trampolines.
The statement quantified broken bones, concussions, back injuries and brain injuries all due to trampoline injuries.
It determined that safety measures trampoline companies have taken, like the mesh netting and padded rims, aren't helping.
Dr. Jeremy Boyd at Heritage Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Simpsonville said the benefit of exercise may be outweighed by the risks. He wants parents who already have trampolines to pay attention.
"This study should give pause and let them think about whether or not they want to continue to let their kids use a trampoline, and if they are, what are some of the injuries their kids might be exposed to, and what are some safe practices?" Boyd said.
Boyd said if people let kids jump on trampolines, they should abide by three main rules.
First, do not let kids under age 5 jump; second, do not have multiple jumpers on the trampoline; and third, do not try tricks like somersaults, tumbling or flips.
The risky jumps are what usually cause the worst brain damage if there's an accident, doctors advise.
Copyright 2012 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
FOX Carolina's Dana Wachter bounces on a Simpsonville family's trampoline. (Sept. 24, 2012/FOX Carolina)
