Study of aeroball injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To present the risks of aeroball, a new sport played by either two or four players on a trampoline court surrounded by specially constructed fabric walls, and to propose ways to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of injury, in particular, ankle injury.


METHODS
A study was carried out to document the nature of aeroball related incidents, between 1991 and 1995, at Lancaster University Sports Centre. Lace-up ankle supports were introduced in April 1992, and their effect on the incidence of ankle injury was recorded.


RESULTS
The lower limb received most injuries (90%), followed by the upper limb (6%), then the face (3%) and cervical spine (1%). The most common category of injuries was sprains (83%), followed by fractures (8%), contusions (5%), and dislocations (4%). The most common site of injury was the ankle (73%). It is during doubles play that injury is most likely to occur. Since the introduction of ankle supports, there has been a gradual decline in the incidence of ankle injury, 31 in 1991 to nine in 1995.


CONCLUSIONS
Aeroball has become a popular sport, but it is not without risks. Leaflets have been produced to promote the objectives, rules, and safety of the game. Trained full-time staff should be present to explain the nature of the game. The use of prophylactic ankle stabilisers in aeroball is strongly recommended.
Sinha
A
A
Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, United Kingdom.
McGlone
R G
RG
Montgomery
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D003288:Contusions / Q000453:epidemiology; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000453:epidemiology; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D010174:Pamphlets; D011482:Protective Devices; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D013177:Sports / Q000193:education; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000453:epidemiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology