Mini-trampolines : do they provide a sufficient aerobic workout?

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if a mini-trampoline exercise routine from JumpSport met guidelines set by ACSM for improving cardiorespiratory endurance Methods: Twelve male (age 20.8 ± 2.09 years) and twelve female (age 20.7 ± 1.30 years) subjects performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill. Then subjects performed the selected 19 minute exercise routine on a mini-trampoline. Physiological responses, HR and V02 were monitored throughout. Perceived exertion was recorded every 5 minutes throughout the workout and at the end using the Borg 6-20 RPE scale. Results: It was found that both %HRmax (males: 77 ± 6.3; females: 80 ± 7.3) and %V02max (males: 58 ± 8.4; females: 61±6.7) met the guidelines of 64-94% of HRmax and 40-85% of V02max set by ACSM. Throughout the workout subjects considered it to be of "light" intensity when using the 6-20 Borg RPE scale (males: 11.5 ± 2.0; females: 11.6 ± 1.24). Caloric expenditure for both males (12.4 ± 1.60 kcal/min) and females (9.4 ± 0.9 kcal/min) also met guidelines for weight loss. Males had a significantly higher energy expenditure than females due to higher body mass (184.0 ± 30.70 lb vs. 142.0 ± 13 .06 lb). Conclusion: The selected JumpSport routine does meet the standards set forth by ACSM to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and to stimulate weight loss.