Pediatric Pulmonology 40:465 (2005)

Author’s Response

We thankMs. Sahlberg andDr. Strandvik for their letterin which they shared their experiences in the use oftrampolines by cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Unfortunately, until now, no scientific study reportedthe clinical influence and outcomeof trampoline use inCF,and based on the current accumulated data, the presumedbenefits of trampoline use for CF patients are not proven.

However, many scientific articles have been publishedabout injuries involved in the use of trampolines, speci-fically describing those related to small-diameter trampo-lines fromwhich children can easily fall. Furthermore, theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics recommended banning(or severely limiting) the use of trampolines.

Weighing the known risks of trampolines against thepotential benefits, which are not unique to this modality,

suggests that until evidence-based data prove otherwise,the use of trampolines for CF should not be recommended.Furthermore, it seems that the suggested benefits might beacquired using other types of exercise.Based on their CF experiences, publishing a pro-

spective, comparative, evidence-based study on the use oftrampolines in CF vs. other physiotherapy modalities,evaluating their influence on lung clearance, skeleton,bone mass, and safety outcomes, is recommended. Such astudy could redefine the role of trampolines in CF.

—ASHER BARAK, MD*Pediatric Pulmonary Unit

Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s HospitalRamat-Gan, Israel

*Correspondence to: Asher Barak, Pediatric Pulmonary Unit, Edmond and

Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel.

E-mail: ashbar@netvision.new.il

Received 2 June 2005; Accepted 2 June 2005.

DOI 10.1002/ppul.20282

Published online 25 August 2005 in Wiley InterScience

(www.interscience.wiley.com).

� 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.