Six Weeks of Mini-Trampoline Training Improves Balance, Mobility, and Walking Capacity in Older Adults

Aging can be associated with poor cardiovascular health and physical function. This study aimed to compare 6 weeks of mini-trampoline training with walking in older adults.

Forty-seven adults (age 71.1 ± 5.6 years) were assigned to either a trampoline exercise group or a walking group. Both groups completed 20-min sessions three times a week. Assessments of balance, mobility, and walking capacity were conducted pre- and postintervention.

There was a significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 12.858, p = .001, η2 = .222, for the single-leg stand test. The main effect of time for the trampoline exercise group, F(1, 24) = 21.0, p < .01, η2 = .467, was significant with posttest time improving compared with pretest time. There was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 0.249, p > .05, η2 = .006, for the four-square step test. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 15.523, p = .001, η2 = .256, with both groups improving from pre to post. For the 6-min walk test, there was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 1.365, p > .05, η2 = .029. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 10.397, p = .002, η2 = .188, with both groups improving compared with baseline.

Trampoline training and walking improved balance and walking capacity, whereas only trampoline training led to improvements in single-leg balance.

This study highlights that both exercise modalities are effective forms of activity for older adults.