Trampolining is a common recreational activity, that is especially popular amongst children. The body of evidence investigating the health effects of trampolining on human physiology is very limited compared to other common modalities, such as running, rowing or biking. Therefore, the purpose of this series of studies was to expand the amount of literature using trampolining as the modality of choice.

This thesis first comprehensively reviews the literature relating to physiology and trampolining. General methods used in the studies are then discussed. The next five chapters consist of the five studies that were published as a part of completing this thesis. Finally, the findings from each of the studies are summarised in the last chapter.

In the first study, a model was developed which allows energy expenditure, on an app- equipped trampoline, to be calculated using only the input of the user’s mass. Participants were required to bounce on a trampoline while wearing a breath by breath analyser. This allowed the model to be validated by comparing the model’s estimated energy expenditure to the participant’s oxygen consumption, as measured by breath by breath analysis. This allows the intensity of bouncing on a trampoline to be easily calculated and measured. This method was used in every subsequent study, as it was a significant improvement to the quality of life, for the collection of data, for exercise on a trampoline.

In the second study, energy consumption while bouncing on a trampoline was compared to energy consumption while running on a treadmill. Participants wore a breath by breath analyser and blood lactate was collected, while bouncing on a trampoline. Then in a second session, a week later, participants wore a breath by breath analyser and blood lactate was collected while running on a treadmill. This was to build on the findings of a previous study to see if they remained consistent. It was confirmed that trampolining and running had similar exercise profiles and the findings of the previous study were validated.

In the third study, energy expenditure while bouncing on a trampoline was measured while altering the bouncing action. A variety of different bouncing actions were measured and it was discovered that altering the bouncing action did increase the energy expenditure. The model produced in the first study was then updated. This allowed a more accurate estimation of energy expenditure, while using the bouncing actions measured in the study.

In the fourth study, a novel exercise protocol on a trampoline was investigated to assess whether it produced a positive change to various health markers. The novel protocol was designed to be very time efficient. Participants regularly exercised on a trampoline for 8 weeks. The novel protocol appeared to improve the participant’s fitness and vertical jump with as little as ten minutes of exercise per week.

The fifth study investigated whether trampolining could be used as a novel treatment to improve body composition, cardiovascular fitness, bone density and stress urinary incontinence amongst parous women. Participants regularly exercised on a trampoline for 12 weeks. The treatment appeared to improve the participant’s pelvic floor strength and reduce the impact stress urinary incontinence had on their quality of life.