New research confirms it: bouncing builds bones

A new research study, published in The Korean Journal of Sport, shows that bouncing on a trampoline fights osteoporosis by significantly improving bone mineral density (BMD). Though many studies over the years have shown that bouncing is good for bones, this is one of the most definitive.

The study’s participants were all women, with an average age of 45, and none had been exercising regularly for at least six months. In other words, the researchers chose a demographic that has the most to gain from a successful bone-building strategy. Though both men and women can develop osteoporosis, it occurs more frequently with women. For people over 50, 1 in 3 women will experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime compared to just 1 in 5 men.

To measure bone mineral density, the researchers used a non-invasive procedure called “Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,” or “DXA.” They took density readings from four lumbar vertebrae in the back and two locations from the upper leg bone, where the femur meets the hip. All of the bones measured showed significant increases in mineral density as a result of the trampoline program.

Along with increased bone strength, the program resulted in big fitness improvements from a relatively small amount of exercise, something that other rebounding studies have also noted. Participants performed four exercise sessions per week, each consisting of a 30-minute bouncing workout, ten minutes of stretching, and a few minutes of light exercises for warming-up and cooing-down. Altogether, the program generated a weekly total of about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise, which is the minimum recommended by worldwide health organizations for adults. In spite of the modest schedule, there were improvements in “body weight, BMI [body fat percentage], blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle mass after trampoline exercise.”

The researchers conclude the study by saying, “Based on the results, we intend to promote trampoline exercise, which is still generally unknown.”

Hopefully, with studies like this one added to the extensive amount of research already available, more people will be encouraged to enjoy the truly exceptional and diverse benefits of rebounding exercise.