Trampoline Exercise

[sundari]

Edward Laskowski, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist was asked by a 76 yr old in pretty good shape if he recommended trampoline exercise to improve her balance.

His answer:

I would not. No matter what your age, trampoline exercise is associated with a high risk of injury. Falls off trampolines or mini-trampolines, or incorrect use of such equipment, can result in serious joint and soft tissue injuries. Simple balance exercises such as standing on one leg or activities such as tai chi can improve balance without the high risk of injury associated with trampoline exercise.


My thoughts:

I would think that he would have at least said that it would be good for her joints or her lymphatic system. But he seemed to be totally against the whole thing. While interesting that many other Doctors are totally for this type of exercise.

There are many ways we can all get injured at the gym, doing a workout DVD, at home, at work, playing with our families outdoors etc.....

Just thought the "Rebounding" crowd would be interested.

[TinaT]

I've just started rebounding and love it. Yes, there is a risk of injury due to balance issues. One of the main reasons I think it's so great for women in general. We tend to loose balance and flexibility as we age. I'm only 42 and and noticed this a couple of years ago.

I just did G-Force 2 today and loved not having sore joints after doing high impact moves. Plus, the cardio benefit is wonderful! I'm sure this guy is correct in his statement, but I feel as though he's stating the obvious. Kinda like "Be careful using Cathe workouts, you use really heavy weights and could drop them on your toe". There is always a risk when exercising and pushing our bodies past the comfort zone.

Too bad he didn't look into the benefits. Thanks for posting!

[sundari]

I will of course continue to use my rebounder I love the difference it makes in my cardio workouts. I love the variety in my rotation.

Like I said there are many other ways to get injured as well. Rebounding is not the only way.

[debyduz]

Rodney Yee broke his leg last year on one. I have see several doctors on TV who agree. They said the only people who should use a trampoline are gymnasts. Though they might take the impact out they also allow the foot to stretch to an unnatural angle. The rate of injuries is alarming.

If you really want one then be very careful. I personally have always wanted one. Being too fat still and looking too silly is the only thing that stopped me from getting one.

[Lucky Star]

Just stating the obvious here, but a trampoline is very different from a rebounder. That rehab specialist should know this. For older beginners, it's probably advisable to use one of those attachable support U-bars. Falling off a trampoline is much more likely - and potentially dangerous - than falling off a rebounder.

[Lifeisgood]

Yes, there is a tremendous difference between a rebounder vs a trampoline.

To take issue with the backyard trampoline, I agree 200% that a trampoline is a piece of gymnastic equipment and does not belong in anyone's backyard.

[TinaT]

I can't even begin to count how many times I've mis-placed my footing while using the tall step/fanny lift and knocking the darn thing over along with myself. (yes, I'm admitting I'm clumsy). My ankles have seen the fall out!

A full size trampoline is very dangerous vs a rebounder. Though the risk is there, I'm still happy I have one and my cardio is improving greatly, without compromising my joints.

[smith938]

the only exercise equipment I've come close to getting hurt on was a step and that's because the instructor started doing fancy jumps and twirls(pre Cathe days!) and I lost my footing. oh, and if you count my ponytail getting caught under the thingie on the total gym..ouch!

I've never fallen on my rebounder but a friend did screw up her knee on one of those outdoor trampolines. I think you bounce higher on these..my rebounder I sorta of sink down into and have to push up...

[horsemom2]

I have been rebounding for years without an incidence and find the BOSU a much more unstable piece of equipment.

Stairs are much more dangerous! Guess we should stop using them if possible?
The only real workout injury I have had was walking down the stairs to my basement workout area and missing the bottom step. Yet IMHO there is no better piece of equipment than stairs and I have witnessed my own parents lower body and balance weakness once they moved away from their home and used stairs less often.

Barb S
who thinks the only way to avoid falling is to never get out of bed

[Judith L]

I'd like to get a rebounder but have always hesitated because of retinal tears and holes in my eyes (which I've had for decades) and I'm afraid using a rebounder might make the condition worse. Any risk here is too much of a risk. Unfortunately. I'm not able to get in touch with my eye doctor and haven't been able to find any information on the internet about this. Anyone know if this would be contraindicated? Diving and inverted positions are. (I'm interested in a rebounder particularly to help with a recurrent sinusitis.)

Grief, maybe even the jogging* I do is a no-no...???

*ETA: on a track or puzzle-mat.