Biomechanical Analysis of Trampoline Exercise

Recently a trampoline has been widely used for the purpose of recreation as well as competition. This has provided enjoyment for children and adults. In Japan, the trampoline is available from elementary school up, through university level. Some trampoline athletes are of the opinion that trampoline exercise can be a valuable tool for developing motor ability among children. According to personal communication with Miss REIKO HANDA, Japanese female elite trampoline athlete and World Champion in 1986, it was apparent that she does not Kick the bed with a conscious effort. It is known that with every bounce, the trampoline athlete needs to get upward force from the bed as an energy resource. It seemed necessary to analyze a trampoline exercise and obtain scientific data from physiological, anatomical and biomechanical points of view. Investigations have been carried out in order to biomechanically analyze a trampoline exercise. Vaughan (1980) performed a kinetic analysis of basic trampoline stunts and reported that the maximum upward force from a trampoline bed when performing a basic drop, was not particularly large. Shimada and Yamamoto (1986) investigated the jumping movement pattern of an elite female athlete and reported that flexion of the knee is almost maximal on landing on the trampoline bed.