KINETIC AND KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF IMPACTS FROM VARIOUS HEIGHTS EXPERIENCED BY CHILDREN

Abstract

In 1977, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported treatment of93,000 children in emergency rooms for injuries sustained on playgrounds. By 1986, the number had risen to over 200,000 and 70 percent ofthese cases were falls from equipment onto various play surfaces (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1986). In addition to free play activities, today's youth are also experiencing acute injuries from single impact trauma during organized sports (Micheli, 1986).