Welcome:

Hello, I'm Dr. Sigourney Weathers. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a passion for gymnastics, trampoline, and community, I'm here to shake up the traditional approach to pediatric physical therapy and wellness.

With over 30 years of experience in the gymnastics community, including 15+ years as a coach and judge, and 10+ years specializing in inclusive and adaptive gymnastics, I bring a wealth of expertise to my practice.

During my career, I noticed a gap in the system—clients completing therapy but still seeking ongoing recreational support and community. Determined to bridge that gap, I founded Balanced Creations Therapy & Trampoline.

At Balanced Creations, we're not just about therapy; we're about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Our goal is to provide a space where individuals of all abilities can thrive and continue their lifelong health and wellness journey.

Through personalized programs and integrated techniques, including therapeutic trampolining and gymnastics, we're redefining what it means to achieve optimal wellness.

Outside of my professional endeavors, you can often find me spending quality time with my family, staying active through workouts, and indulging in my hobbies, including aerial silk and, of course, trampolining.

I have started this blog to document and research all past and current therapeutic trampoline research. If you would like to get updates each time a new blog becomes available, please subscribe below.

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These blogs will be short and easy to read. I don't want much fluff in them, so if you are here to read about our therapy sessions or my personal life, you have come to the wrong place. Jump on over to IG @balancedcreationstherapy. If you want to read about all things therapeutic trampoline, keep reading. I’m glad you are here!

Introduction:

Trampolines have long been associated with childhood fun and backyard recreation. However, their potential benefits extend far beyond mere entertainment. In a surprising twist, NASA, the renowned space agency, delved into the realm of trampoline research in the 1980s. Their study, "Body acceleration distribution and O2 uptake in humans during running and jumping," sought to uncover the biomechanical effects of trampoline exercise on the human body. While the study's focus may seem unconventional, its findings offer valuable insights that resonate deeply with the field of physical therapy.

Summary of the Study:

The study, titled "Body acceleration distribution and O2 uptake in humans during running and jumping," conducted by A. Bhattacharya et al. in 1980, aimed to determine the distribution of acceleration amplitude and frequency profiles and the corresponding oxygen uptake and heart rate responses during treadmill running and trampoline jumping.

Eight young males participated in the study, performing walking and running exercises on a treadmill at varying speeds and jumping on a trampoline at different heights. Accelerations were measured at three points on the body: the lateral ankle, lumbosacral region of the back, and forehead. Oxygen uptake and heart rate were also recorded during the experiments.

The results showed that peak accelerations increased with both increased treadmill speed and jumping height. During treadmill exercise, peak acceleration at the ankle consistently exceeded that at the back and forehead. However, during trampoline jumping, acceleration levels were more symmetrically distributed across the body.

The study also found that, for similar levels of oxygen uptake and heart rate, the magnitude of biomechanical stimuli was greater with trampoline jumping than with running. This suggests that trampoline jumping imposes higher biomechanical stressors on the body compared to treadmill running.

Additionally, the study observed that the frequency components of acceleration profiles were higher during running and walking than during jumping. Spectral analysis indicated that the frequency content of acceleration waveforms was approximately equal at all three measurement sites during jumping, while it varied during treadmill exercise.

With that said, here are 5 Key Takeaways for rehabilitation therapists using trampolines as a therapy tool. 👊

1. Trampoline induces higher biomechanical stressors

Trampoline jumping induces higher biomechanical stressors on the body compared to treadmill running, making it a potentially effective tool for rehabilitation programs aimed at improving musculoskeletal strength and cardiovascular fitness.

2. Impact forces are transmitted more evenly on trampoline

Symmetrical distribution of acceleration levels during trampoline jumping suggests that impact forces are transmitted more evenly throughout the body, potentially reducing the strain on specific joints.

3. Trampoline can produce smoother & more controlled jumping

The frequency content of acceleration waveforms during trampoline jumping is lower and more uniform compared to treadmill exercise, indicating smoother and more controlled movement patterns.

4. May offer a unique form of stimulus for therapy

Trampoline exercise may offer a unique form of cardiovascular and muscular stimulus for individuals undergoing rehabilitation therapy, particularly those who are in a deconditioned state due to bedrest, immobility, or prolonged sedentary lifestyle.

5. Further research was (and is) needed

Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of trampoline exercise in specific rehabilitation protocols and to develop safe and effective exercise regimens tailored to individual patient needs.

Limitations of the Study:

One major limitation of the study is its age, as it was conducted in 1980. Since then, there have been advancements in research techniques and equipment, as well as a better understanding of biomechanics and exercise physiology. Therefore, the findings may not fully represent the current state of knowledge in the field. (Want more current research? Subscribe below to get updated on when new review posts are available.)

Conclusions of the Study:

Despite its limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the biomechanical responses of the body during treadmill running and trampoline jumping. Rehabilitation therapists can consider incorporating trampoline exercise into their rehabilitation programs, taking into account the potential benefits and limitations outlined in the study. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize trampoline-based rehabilitation protocols for diverse patient populations.

See you next time!

The NASA study sheds light on the biomechanical responses of the body to trampoline exercise, offering intriguing implications for rehabilitation therapy. By understanding how trampoline jumping affects acceleration distribution, oxygen uptake, and heart rate, rehabilitation therapists can explore innovative approaches to rehabilitation and conditioning. While the study's age may raise questions about its relevance, its fundamental principles remain pertinent in the context of modern physical therapy practices. As we continue to uncover the therapeutic potential of trampolines, we pave the way for new avenues of rehabilitation and wellness.

Read the Journal Article

Bhattacharya, A., McCutcheon, E. P., Shvartz, E., & Greenleaf, J. E. (1980). Body acceleration distribution and O2 uptake in humans during running and jumping. Journal of Applied Physiology: Respiratory, Environmental and Exercise Physiology, 49(5), 881-887. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1980.49.5.881

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amit-Bhattacharya-2/publication/15769012_Body_acceleration_distribution_and_O2_uptake_in_humans_during_running_and_jumping/links/541c5d700cf203f155b5b42c/Body-acceleration-distribution-and-O2-uptake-in-humans-during-running-and-jumping.pdf

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Dr. Sigourney Weathers, PT. Copyright © 2024 Balanced Creations Therapy & Trampoline. All Rights Reserved