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From the Southwest Center for Osteopathic Research and Education at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dayton.

Address correspondence to Mazen I. Abbas, DO, MPH, Grandview Hospital, 405 W. Grand Ave, Dayton, OH 45405-4720. E-mail: mazen_abbas{at}hotmail.com

Approximately 8700 injuries from home exercise equipment occur annually in children in the United States. Home treadmills, which have been growing steadily in popularity during the past decade, pose a specific hazard to infants and children aged 5 years or younger, a population at increased risk of injury to the upper extremities (ie, arm, forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers). The authors also provide an illustrative report of case of a 2-year-old boy whose hand injury resulted from a home treadmill.

Analysis and frequency reporting of United States Consumer Product Safety Commission data for home treadmill injuries in this demographic group are presented. From January 1, 1996, to September 30, 2000, the number of home treadmill injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was 1009. Three hundred of these (29.7%) were in infants and children aged to 5 years. Abrasions or contusions (or both) of the upper extremities were the most common injury.

Although the number of home treadmill injuries to children being reported is low, the potential for costly and serious complications has been demonstrated previously. The authors conclude that additional home treadmill safety measures and guidelines must be established.