Plantar forces during lower extermity exercise on the Freebounder™ in comparison to a treadmill and a mini-trampoline

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine ground reaction force and loading rate while exercising on the Freebounder™. Nine male (age 21.7 + 2.74 years) and nine female (age 21.2 + 1.58 years) subjects performed a 1-minute exercise bout which included walking on a treadmill, running on a treadmill, double-leg bouncing on a mini-trampoline, and double-leg bouncing on a Freebounder™. Data were recorded using in shoe sensors during the last 10 seconds of each trial with the five most representative strides being analyzed. It was found that ground reaction force and loading rate on the Freebounder™ were significantly lower than the other three conditions. It was concluded that the Freebounder™ is a low-impact exercise alternative compared to traditional modes of exercise.