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Between 1954 and 1984, 38 patients were seen as a result of gymnastic activities. Thirty three were men, five were women, and their ages ranged from 12 to 54, the mean age being 20. Thirty one had spinal injuries (28 in the cervical region, three in the thoracolumbar region), two no definite injury, and for five the information was incomplete. The accidents occurred largely because gymnasts landed on their heads, the force being transmitted to the cervical spine. Most took place in gymnasiums and were caused by a failure of supervision.

Between 1963 and 1978 16 patients were seen as a result of trampolining accidents; 15 had spinal injuries in the lower cervical region, resulting in severe paralysis. Their ages ranged from 10 to 43; 13 were male and the mean age was 21. There were six schoolboys. The factors causing the injuries were analysed. In almost all cases injury was due to failure of supervision and it was not recognized initially that the trampoline is an extremely dangerous piece of equipment that can project people up to 9 m (30 ft) in the air. The accidents occurred as a result of people landing on their heads. The recommendations to make this sport safer are discussed.