A portable data acquisition system for the measurement of impact attenuation of playground surfacing

Abstract

Gone are the days when children¿s playgrounds were erected on concrete and asphalt. Impact attenuating playground surfacing has been common place in most children¿s playgrounds for many years. Unfortunately there is not a strong correlation between the expected reduction in the frequency and severity of playground injuries. Until recently testing of playground undersurfacing was restricted to the laboratory. This paper details the development and description of a portable data acquisition system for use in playgrounds.