Playground Equipment Research Articles

Working hours influence preferences of residents for micro features of small urban green spaces

This study investigates whether duration of working hours affect residents’ preferences for the micro-features of Small Urban Green Spaces (SUGS), and explores differences across genders and visitation purposes. Little is known about this subject, yet it is crucial for creating more equitable green spaces. In phase 1, participants (n = 209; 30.9 ± 6.73 years, 59.3%male) were categorized by average daily working hours (0–8 h, 8–10 h, 10 h+), and rated 41 micro-feature images on their importance for visiting SUGS. Phase 2 included the top ten features ranked from phase 1, with participants (n = 256; 30.8 ± 5.12 years, 35.2% female) completing the Kano model survey to identify and explain the importance of features and different types of needs. Findings reveal a clear trend: extended work hours pivot resident preferences towards green space attributes promoting physical activity. For residents of 0–8 h valued aesthetic elements like sculptures and vegetation, while lighting became paramount for those with 8–10 h, and for those working over 10 h prioritized facilities for active engagement, such as playground equipment and slow runway. These distinctions provide valuable guidance for designing SUGS with diverse feature combinations that cater to the needs of residential areas with varying socio-economic backgrounds and occupational lifestyles, thereby enhancing urban livability.

Consumer product-related female genital injuries in the USA from 2013 to 2022

BackgroundConsumer product-related genital injuries in females across all age groups are understudied. Existing research focuses primarily on paediatric populations. We aimed to determine characteristics, trends and predictors of hospitalisation.MethodsThe National...

Trampolines Versus Playgrounds - A Comparative Assessment of Pediatric Fractures Sustained From Recreational Play.

Using the Pediatric Health Information System, this study compared the relative severity of fractures sustained from trampolines with those from other playground equipment. Pediatric patients were identified in the Pediatric Health Information System with trampoline-related injuries (TRIs) or playground-related injuries (PRIs) diagnosed as fractures. Adjustments were made for hospital, year of injury, sex, age, race, median household income, and rurality through propensity score weighting. Four injury-related outcome measures were examined as a proxy for injury severity. A total of 133,232 patients met inclusion criteria. In unadjusted univariate analyses, TRIs were associated with greater odds of severe fracture and lower odds of receiving surgical treatment (OR = 0.954) compared with PRIs. After adjustment, TRIs sustained in late childhood and adolescence were more likely to receive surgical management (OR = 1.092 and OR = 1.192, respectively) while TRIs sustained in younger children were less likely (OR = 0.607) than PRIs. Youths in late childhood and adolescence are at increased odds of undergoing surgical management after trampoline fractures. Beyond underscoring the risks of trampoline play, our results highlight the importance of considering age in recreational injury epidemiology and the public health safety initiatives aimed at specific age groups.

What are the Characteristics of Oral Injuries Caused by Playground Equipment?

Studies regarding oral injuries from playground equipment in children remain limited. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of oral injury caused by playground equipment and identify associations with concomitant head injury. Children treated between 2011 and 2021 at an oral surgery clinic for oral injuries from playground equipment were retrospectively investigated. The following factors were analyzed: demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, type of equipment causing the injury, classification of oral injury, and whether the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine was consulted regarding the head injury. The data collected were statistically analyzed using the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test with significance adopted at the 5% level. This study analyzed data from 82 children. Injuries were concentrated in age groups of 2 to 3 years (32.9%), 4 to 5 years (28.0%), and 6 to 7 years (25.6%). Regarding the mechanism of injury, falls were more common (89.0%) than impact/striking (11.0%). The type of equipment most frequently causing injury was slides (29.3%), followed by swings (23.2%) and iron bars (18.3%). Injuries were classified as soft tissue injury alone (56.1%) or tooth injury and/or jaw fracture (43.9%). Consultation with the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine for head injury was uncommon (13.4%), and all consultations for brain injury diagnosed minor injuries. Oral injuries caused by playground equipment were frequent between 2 and 7 years old. The most common cause was falls, with most injuries caused by slides, swings, or iron bars. Approximately half of the oral injuries were soft tissue injuries only, while the other half were associated with tooth and/or jaw injuries. Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine consultations for head trauma were uncommon and consistently confirmed minor injuries.

Created stepping-stone configurations depend on task constraints.

Previous studies have shown that choices about how to configure stepping-stones to be used as playground or exercise equipment reflect a person's action capabilities. In two experiments, we investigated whether choices about how to configure stepping-stones to be used as a path for locomotion additionally reflect the goals for which or the constraints under which the path is to be used. In Experiment 1, participants created stepping-stone configurations (with rubber mats) that would allow them to cross a given space quickly, comfortably, or carefully. Configurations in the "Quickly" condition consisted of fewer mats, and longer mean (linear) distances between mats, and greater "challenge" (relative to maximum stepping distance) than in the other two conditions. In Experiment 2, participants created stepping-stone configurations that would be fun to use or that would be easy to use to cross a given space. Configurations in the "Fun" condition consisted of more mats, longer linear distances between mats, and greater "challenge" than those in the "Easy" condition. Moreover, paths in the "Fun" condition were also wider, longer, and exhibited larger changes in distances and angles between consecutive mats than in the "Easy" condition. The results are discussed both in terms of implications for understanding affordances and for the design of stepping-stone paths.

Paving the Way to Active Living for People with Disabilities:: Evaluating Park and Playground Accessibility and Usability in Delaware.

To evaluate the accessibility and usability of parks and playgrounds in New Castle County, Delaware, for people with disabilities, with a particular focus on identifying environmental barriers that may impede access to these public spaces and potentially affect physical activity (PA) participation for the chronic disease prevention and mitigation. Using a cross-sectional observational design, teams of trained University of Delaware students utilized the Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) Tool to assess the accessibility of ten suburban and urban parks and playgrounds from April to November 2023. The tool evaluated various elements of public spaces, including public transit, parking, pathways and multi-use trails, entrances, playground equipment, and health promotional materials. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the accessibility and usability of each element. Significant barriers to accessibility and usability were identified. Over half of the sites lacked nearby public transit stops, and many trails and playgrounds were not fully accessible to people with disabilities. While some areas demonstrated good accessibility, such as well-maintained pathways and appropriately designed crosswalks, barriers like uneven surfaces, insufficient curb cuts, and inadequate van-accessible parking spaces were common. Most playgrounds lacked equitable play equipment, with less than half having ground materials suitable for mobility devices. The study underscores the need for substantial improvements in the design, construction, and maintenance of Delaware parks and playgrounds to better support people with disabilities. Enhancing accessibility is crucial for promoting PA participation. The findings support the development of inclusive recreational and PA environments, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to reduce chronic disease health disparities faced by people with disabilities. This study highlights the need for revised policy measures to enhance park accessibility, advocating for infrastructure improvements and inclusive designs to ensure equitable recreation and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities.

Analysis of Green Buildings on Children’s Playgrounds and the Composition of Their Equipment

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards the development of kid-friendly environmentally friendly outdoor play and learning spaces. As sustainability and eco-friendly protection become increasingly important global issues, there is a growing need for environmentally friendly protection for children’s outdoor play areas and learning spaces. The playground equipment built by the Chinese company Betta Play and the Belgian company Europlay was compared, analysed and investigated in terms of learnability factors, used materials, safety, and environmental factors. The playground equipment was examined in great detail using information from the websites of both companies. The materials (metals, plastics, wood kinds, natural durability) and types of equipment (swings, seesaws, playhouses, slides) were studied. The results show that both companies’ product design, used materials, and educational details are very suitable for eco-friendliness. However, Europlay used more wooden materials and Betta Play used more plastic materials to produce playground equipment. In order to reduce the damage to nature and promote sustainable development, other companies should introduce the construction of children’s eco-friendly playground equipment, using more natural products, such as Europlay.

The Power of Play: Examining the Impact of a School Yard Playground on Attitudes Toward School and Peer Relationships Among Elementary School Students in Chennai, India.

Introduction. School environments may impact elementary school students' attachment levels to school as well as their mental and emotional well-being. Yet investments in recess/play infrastructure lag commitments to academic resources, particularly in developing countries. The main objective was to examine the impact of installing playground equipment, in the school yard, on students' attitudes toward school, peers, and the capacity to play of elementary-school children in an underserved, inner-city school in Chennai, India. Methods. A previously validated school attachment questionnaire was modified and administered to 140 and 148 students in pre- and post-playground installation, respectively. Results. For 7 out of 13 survey questions, student attitudes about their own recreational time and their attitudes toward peers significantly improved after playground installation. Conclusion. These results highlight the need for investments in play spaces, and recreational equipment may be just as important as addressing academic needs, especially among underserved children.

국내 지역사회 실외용 통합놀이터 설치 사례분석 연구: 문헌 및 현장조사를 기반으로

Objective : This study aims to analyze the cases of integrated outdoor playgrounds in domestic communities in order to develop future societal response strategies based on the findings. Methods : This study conducted a survey on seven integrated outdoor playgrounds in domestic communities. The scope of the survey included general characteristics of integrated playgrounds, flooring materials, and playground conditions. Additionally, the analysis was conducted to determine whether the design applied an integrated perspective based on physical, sensory-cognitive, and social classifications. Results : The Integrated playgrounds in domestic communities didn’t consider the physical characteristics and developmental characteristics throughout the lifespan of physically vulnerable groups in terms of flooring materials and playground equipment. In particular, the playgrounds for the elderly lacked equipment for sensory experiences. Conclusion : It’s necessary to derive inclusive playgrounds that provide opportunities for lifeling health improvement and relaxation.

Admission of Upper Extremity Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department: An NEISS Study.

Upper extremity injuries account for 36.5% of presentations to the emergency department in the United States. This study seeks to determine current rates of upper extremity injuries that present to the emergency department and the injury characteristics of patients requiring admission. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for a 10-year period for upper extremity injuries. Further analysis was done to evaluate specific patient demographics, injury characteristics, and mechanisms of injury of those patients who were admitted to the hospital. Between 2012 and 2021, 39 160 365 persons are estimated to have presented to 100 United States emergency departments for managing upper extremity injuries, accounting for 28.8% of total presentations. A total of 12 662 041 upper extremity patients were pediatric (32.3%). Admissions occurred in 4.6% of presentations. The most common presenting diagnosis was laceration (24.9%), while the most common admission diagnosis was fracture (49.7%). The majority had injuries involving their forearms (19.9%). The most common injury-associated consumer product group was stairs, ramps, landings, and floors at 28.5%. Of the 445 644 patients, those estimated to have been injured by stairs, ramps, landings, and floors adults were 429 435 or 96.4%. The most common injury-associated product in pediatric populations was playground equipment (23.6%), of which 53.7% was from monkey bars and other climbing apparatuses. This study demonstrates an overall increase in admissions for upper extremity injuries in the setting of similar rates of overall upper extremity injuries with fractures and forearm being the most common diagnosis and body part involved, respectively. IV; Database.

Meningkatkan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Melalui Bermain Peran Pada Kelompok B Di Tk Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Margosari Kecamatan Pagelaran Utara Kabupaten Pringsewu Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024

The background of this study is that the social interaction skills of most students in group B at Aisiyiyah Bustanul Athfal Margosari Kindergarten are still relatively low, this is reflected when there are students seizing the play tools that are being seen by several children. They do not want to take turns to see the playground equipment. In an effort to improve the ability of social interaction, it can be done through the process of learning while playing which makes children feel happy, comfortable, and safe. This research applies the type of classroom action research with data collection techniques of observation and interview techniques, as well as Qualitative data analysis techniques and Quantitative analysis techniques. In the first cycle, the ability of children's social interaction in role playing is 40% capable category, for the second cycle the ability of children's social interaction in role playing is 65% capable category, while the ability of children's social interaction in role playing is 80% capable category. Through role playing, children are expected to develop their social interaction skills, behave according to the guidance of society and be able to adjust to the surrounding environment. Keywords: Social Interaction Ability, Role Play, Classroom Action Research

Playground Equipment: Postdigital Design and the Mechanics of History, Urban Space, and Play

This article examines children’s playgrounds as technological, spatial, and historical phenomena, juxtaposing their origins in the industrial era of the late 19th to early 20th centuries with Lightbug, a recent project to develop digitally augmented playground equipment. Questions of space, movement, mechanics, imagination, play, and technical and historical specificity will be explored and it will be suggested that attention to the industrial and machinic character of playground technology can highlight contemporary attitudes to, and possibilities for, children’s outdoor play in the postdigital era. It asks questions about the introduction of digital technology and media forms into long-established physical play, about the physicality and technical nature of embodied play, and about the relationships between play, play environments, and imagination highlighted in times of technological change.

DEVELOPING ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT FOR CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUNDS: ENHANCING PHYSICAL ABILITIES IN DEVELOPMENTALLY DELAYED CHILDREN

This article delves into the development of adaptive sports equipment for children's playgrounds, with a special focus on enhancing physical abilities in children with developmental delays. It explores the intricate design considerations and technological innovations that go into creating such equipment, highlighting its impact on improving motor skills, coordination, balance, and overall physical health. The article emphasizes the critical role of adaptive playground equipment in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the physical and social development of all children, especially those facing developmental challenges.

Evaluating children's preferences of the orphanages' outdoor spaces: Integrated multi-method ‘Jourchin’ approach

Understanding how children perceive their physical surroundings is critical to providing a setting that supports their activities and aesthetic preferences. This study aimed to investigate orphans' preferences regarding the outdoor space of their living environment by introducing the ‘Jourchin’ approach. This approach is an illustrative model consisting of both qualitative and quantitative methods, including observation, semi-structured interview, subject-produced drawing, and photo-elicitation, to show a holistic and reliable result.The ‘Jourchin’ approach applied to three privately-run orphanages in Kerman, Iran, for a period of one year. The participants of this study were 126 orphans aged 7–17 years of both genders who lived in these orphanages at the time of research.This study demonstrates that children use the outdoor space to play, exercise, and have fun. Although they were relatively satisfied with the current situation and the facilities of the outdoor space, the outcome of the ‘Jourchin’ approach indicates that children would like to see more natural elements (flowers, trees, and plants, etc.), and prefer the availability of playground equipment, as well as sports fields and facilities in their outdoor environments.Children believed that adding new and more landscape features and play equipment would make the outdoor space more beautiful, pleasant, and a better environment for them, which causes them to enjoy using it and increase their satisfaction.

Adult Outdoor Play Preferences: Why Nature Space Design Matters

Adults from many communities who value unstructured, outdoor play and want to play have limited resources to engage in play (Talarowski et al., 2019). Many parks and playgrounds today are designed with children in mind and do not offer many adult-friendly play options. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine outdoor and indoor adult play preferences to establish a baseline for adult play or nature space design. The survey was distributed to male (N=61) and female (N=261) 18–80-year-old participants through email and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and given a three-week window to complete. The participants were asked to pick their five top activity preferences. Overall, 33% of the participants preferred nature activities, 24% preferred playground equipment, 22% preferred sports, and 21% preferred large-yard games. The top preferences predominately came from nature activities and large-yard games. Responses from write in questions showed this group of participants preferred being outdoors (84%), active (85%), and socially driven (97%). More opportunities that match these specific preferred activities must be considered so that adults can take full advantage of the benefits play can provide.

ANALYSIS OF PREFERENCES OF CHILDREN WITH HEALTH LIMITATIONS REGARDING THE ARRANGEMENT OF INCLUSIVE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS IN MOSCOW

The research goal is to analyze the data on the organization and level of improvement of playgrounds with an inclusive component located on the territory of three large multifunctional parks in Moscow received from respondents to develop guidelines for organizing children’s inclusive playgrounds in large cities. The current research relevance is due to the fact that in Russia, until recently, children with health limitations were isolated from communication with peers and other people due to the fact that in society they were perceived as children with special needs. Therefore, it was believed that such joint communication is harmful to their health and development, and such children should be under constant supervision and attention from parents, guardians, and professionals. In connection with the mentioned opinion, they attempted to isolate children with disabilities from society, place them in special institutions, and teach in correctional schools. By virtue of rich global experience, this position has changed in Russia, and this category of children, now gradually transferred to ordinary schools with an inclusive component, has ample opportunities to develop both physically and psycho-emotionally, along with normally developed children. The research tasks include studying the organization of playgrounds intended for children’s recreation in such a way that all features of the psychological and physical condition of children with health limitations are fully taken into consideration. The possibility of the joint stay of children with normal development and children with health limitations within the same playground and their joint cognitive activity and various activities is also studied by means of conducting a survey. With the help of the developed questionnaires and visual material for children, a survey method is applied, implying surveying children, their parents, and guardians. The survey is conducted on the territory of children’s inclusive playgrounds in three large park areas of the city of Moscow. The survey goal is to study the psycho-emotional impact of landscape factors, urban greening, and the level of improvement, design, and construction of inclusive playground equipment on children with health limitations through outdoor games. The research results can be applied in practice in the organization and improvement of new inclusive playgrounds in city parks. Simultaneously, one should take into consideration their accessibility for people with limited mobility and the safety of structures and equipment.

The Future of Physical Education and Sports in Light of the Crisis of Playgrounds in Schools in the Republic of Djibouti

The teaching of Physical Education and Sports (PES) is increasingly compromised in Djibouti, as most of the new middle and secondary schools built in the past two decades do not have playgrounds. This situation has meant that some students have never had access to physical and sports activities as part of their school curriculum. They consequently suffer the detrimental consequences of this situation, particularly on health, well-being, and overall development. To carry out this research, we have analyzed several data sources, such as internal reports and statistical directories of the national education system. We have also studied legislative documents, articles, reports, and chapters on the evolution of school education in Djibouti, as well as ethnographic surveys. Through descriptive analyses, the purpose of this article is to highlight the disparities that exist among different schools in terms of playground equipment and, by extension, access to physical and sports activities. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the urgent need to address the crisis of playgrounds in schools to ensure a better future for PES and enable students to benefit from the physical, social, and educational advantages associated with engaging in physical and sports activities.

Playground Facilities, Augmented Reality and K3L Training, As well as Making a Video Profile as an Effort to Develop the Potential of Educational Tourism in Kesiman Village

Kesiman Village is located in the Trawas District of the Mojokerto Regency in East Java. Kesiman Village possesses unrealized natural potential and is currently attempting to become a tourist village. Therefore, the Community Empowerment Program Team at the University of Surabaya (Ubaya) facilitated the idea. The service team provided Kesiman Village with children's play facilities, including a playground with quite comprehensive play equipment, including swings, suspension bridges, slurutans, and mini wall climbing. In addition, as a safety measure, the Ubaya Team provided supporting equipment such as information boards (posters) with Augmented Reality for playing equipment and medical equipment (P3K). The abstract contains. The Ubaya Team held Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (K3L) training for staff and villagers in order to support the provision of safe and comfortable educational tours. The Ubaya Team provided separate bins for organic and non-organic waste as well as plastic bottles in addition to playground equipment. With the conclusion of this program, Kesiman Village is expanding and advancing, thereby increasing the villagers' standard of living.

Virtual Risk Management-Exploring Effects of Childhood Risk Experiences through Innovative Methods (ViRMa) for Primary School Children in Norway: Study Protocol for the ViRMa Project.

Research indicates that risky play benefits children's risk assessment and risk management skills and offers several positive health effects such as resilience, social skills, physical activity, well-being, and involvement. There are also indications that the lack of risky play and autonomy increases the likelihood of anxiety. Despite its well-documented importance, and the willingness of children to engage in risky play, this type of play is increasingly restricted. Assessing long-term effects of risky play has been problematic because of ethical issues with conducting studies designed to allow or encourage children to take physical risks with the potential of injury. The Virtual Risk Management project aims to examine children's development of risk management skills through risky play. To accomplish this, the project aims to use and validate newly developed and ethically appropriate data collection tools such as virtual reality, eye tracking, and motion capturing, and to provide insight into how children assess and handle risk situations and how children's past risky play experiences are associated with their risk management. We will recruit 500 children aged 7-10 years and their parents from primary schools in Norway. Children's risk management will be measured through data concerning their risk assessment, risk willingness, and risk handling when completing a number of tasks in 3 categories of virtual reality scenarios: street crossing, river crossing, and playing on playground equipment. The children will move around physically in a large space while conducting the tasks and wear 17 motion-capturing sensors that will measure their movements to analyze motor skills. We will also collect data on children's perceived motor competence and their sensation-seeking personality. To obtain data on children's risk experiences, parents will complete questionnaires on their parental style and risk tolerance, as well as information about the child's practical risk experience. Four schools have been recruited to participate in data collection. The recruitment of children and parents for this study started in December 2022, and as of April 2023, a total of 433 parents have consented for their children to participate. The Virtual Risk Management project will increase our understanding of how children's characteristics, upbringing, and previous experiences influence their learning and ability to handle challenges. Through development and use of cutting-edge technology and previously developed measures to describe aspects of the children's past experiences, this project addresses crucial topics related to children's health and development. Such knowledge may guide pedagogical questions and the development of educational, injury prevention, and other health-related interventions, and reveal essential areas for focus in future studies. It may also impact how risk is addressed in crucial societal institutions such as the family, early childhood education, and schools. DERR1-10.2196/45857.

A Behavioral Investigation of Preference for a Playground Sensory Maze

Universal design (UD) is an approach that acknowledges the diversity of an individual’s needs and aims to design products and indoor/outdoor environments that are useable by the majority of the population (Center for UD, 1997). UD for learning is a framework that provides teachers with guidance on how to support to children with diverse needs in the general education classroom with the goal to promote inclusion of all children. For playgrounds, UD means building playgrounds that are usable by a wide range of individuals, regardless of age, gender, size, race/ethnicity, culture, or ability. The current study explored UD in playground design and builds. Specifically, the overall impact of a sensory maze on children’s preference levels as measured by adult and child surveys, and observations. Three sources of data collection were obtained on the sensory maze’s effectiveness: adult surveys (N = 431), adult open-ended surveys (N = 366), child surveys (N = 1,182), and observations of the children playing on the playground (N = 21,763 intervals of 10 minutes). Study results demonstrate that the sensory maze is a favorite for children with sensory disabilities (i.e., sensory processing disorder, blind, visual impairment). Study findings suggest that the sensory maze may be a valuable piece of playground equipment on a community playground, be an asset to all individuals, and allow adults to participate in the play with their children. Designing playgrounds with playground equipment that is proven effective through rigorous research should be seen as central in park administration. Park administrators, who build universally designed playgrounds in their communities, will provide a play space that meets the needs of all community residents and allows them to play, engage in the outdoors, and meet other individuals which can lead to fruitful and rewarding peer relationships.