Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running
08:26

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running

Published on: July 17, 2020

Burning more than calories: treadmill friction injuries in children

C C Davidson1, P A Eadie

  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin. credahan@yahoo.co.uk

Irish Medical Journal
|January 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Treadmill friction burns are a serious, underreported injury in young children, often requiring hospitalization and surgery. This study highlights the increasing prevalence of these injuries as a significant public health concern in Ireland.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric injury prevention
  • Dermatology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Treadmill use is increasing in households.
  • Friction burns from treadmill belts are a severe injury risk for young children.
  • These injuries are underdocumented, particularly in Ireland.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the nature and prevalence of treadmill injuries in children.
  • To highlight treadmill friction burns as a public health issue in Ireland.
  • To assess the functional outcomes of affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients treated for treadmill injuries.
  • Data collected from January 2006 to March 2008.
  • Functional outcomes assessed using the modified Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Twelve children (8 girls, 4 boys) aged 1.5 to 7.5 years were treated.
  • Eight children required hospital admission.
  • Three children underwent surgery for their injuries.

Conclusions:

  • Treadmill friction burns represent a new and growing problem for children in Ireland.
  • These injuries necessitate increased awareness and preventative measures.
  • The severity of these burns underscores the need for public health attention.

More Related Videos

The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation09:10

The Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill for Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation

Published on: July 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Burn Injuries01:22

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Static and Kinetic Frictional Force01:05

Static and Kinetic Frictional Force

One of the simpler characteristics of sliding friction is that it is parallel to the contact surfaces between systems, and is always in a direction that opposes the motion or attempted motion of the systems relative to each other. If two systems are in contact and moving relative to one another, then the friction between them is called kinetic friction. For example, kinetic friction slows a hockey puck sliding on ice.
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
Characteristics of Dry Friction01:21

Characteristics of Dry Friction

Dry friction occurs when two solid surfaces slide against each other without any lubrication or fluid present. It causes resistance when pushing objects along a surface, like a gardener pushing a wheelbarrow. The force applied to move the cart causes dry friction between the wheel and the ground.
Before the wheelbarrow starts moving, the static frictional force acts tangentially to the contact surface, opposing the force that is about to induce the motion. This frictional force prevents the...
Frictional Forces on Flat Belts01:28

Frictional Forces on Flat Belts

Flat belts are commonly used in various industrial applications for transmitting power from one pulley to another. When a flat belt is wrapped around a set of pulleys, it experiences different tensions at the driving pulley ends due to the friction between the belt and pulley surface. When the pulley moves in a counterclockwise direction, the tension T2 on the opposite side of the pulley where the belt is moving away from is higher than the tension T1 on the side where the belt is moving...
Types of Friction Problems01:27

Types of Friction Problems

Friction is an essential concept in physics, engineering, and everyday life. It is the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion between two surfaces in contact. One of the most common types of friction encountered in various applications is dry friction. Dry friction problems can be broadly categorized into three types, each with unique characteristics and challenges.
The first type of dry friction problem involves situations where there is no apparent impending motion.
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: