Monkey bars alert: Playground concussions are on the rise

CHICAGO – Playground concussions are on the rise, according to a new government study, and monkey bars and swings are most often involved.

Most injuries studied were mild, but all concussions are potentially serious, and the researchers said the trend raises public health and safety concerns.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study examined national 2001-2013 data on playground injuries to kids age 14 and younger who received emergency room treatment. Of almost 215,000 kids on average treated yearly, almost 10 percent – about 21,000 – had traumatic brain injuries including concussions. Only nonfatal injuries were included.

In 2005, 23 out of 100,000 kids had traumatic brain injuries, a rate that jumped to 48 out of 100,000 in 2013. The rate declined in the previous years but increased steadily after that. By 2013, the annual total was almost 30,000 kids treated for these brain injuries.

Symptoms weren’t listed but signs of concussions after a blow to the head can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea and vomiting.

Playground equipment most commonly involved in concussions included monkey bars and swings. The study lacked details on how kids got hurt, but many concussions result from falls. The researchers’ recommendations include using soft ground surfaces including wood chips or sand, rather than concrete.

The researchers said adult supervision is key to helping prevent these injuries. They also recommend checking to make sure playground equipment is in good condition.