Trampoline and bone density

[Freshair24]

Has anyone used a mini trampoline to improve their bone density.? Apparently its kinder to the knees and joints on impact.

[CloudyD]

Hi. I used to use a trampoline but don't think I used it specifically for bone density, more for muscles and stability. I think I had the trampoline before my diagnosis.

If I understand the science correctly, vibrations are needed for improvement in bone density, which a trampoline would reduce.

I stopped using it though after I fractured my ankle. I didn't get the fracture on the trampoline but just from dancing, so, because landing on the trampoline can be a bit hit and miss for the ankle, I thought it wiser to not use it again.

For me, there are safer and better ways to improve bone density with exercise.

[Freshair24 in reply to CloudyD]

Hi thanks for your reply, I would use a trampoline with a bar to hold on to ,I guess it depends on individual problems ,but AI is quite clear it helps bone density,its good to have a few options ,but appreciate your comments .Its finding what works for you .

[CloudyD in reply to Freshair24]

Hi. Sure, it might depend on individual problems. But could you post a link to whatever "AI" (don't understand what that stands for) that you say clearly shows it improves bone density? I'd genuinely like to read it.

[Freshair24 in reply to CloudyD]

Hi AI stands for artificial intelligence that is used on Google. I put in osteoarthritis and trampoline. You are probably right though it's a bit of a grey area,some comments deeper into the articles don't seem to advocate the trampoline usage for bone density as much as others do .Thanks for your caution.

[Samosalover in reply to Freshair24]

Something else AI found

Old lady peeking at firemen bodybuilding

[Freshair24 in reply to Samosalover]

There's an idea ,love it !!!

[1000Miler]

A trampoline might be of use to improve balance - and possibly muscle strength in the legs - but I can't see how it could increase bone strength (unless it were the full-blown Olympic trampolining where you're landing on the trampoline from a height of several metres). I don't think there would be enough impact to affect the bones from just gently jogging or low level jumping on a mini trampoline.Heel drops, brisk walking, jogging, skipping, marching on the spot etc are the sorts of things that tend to send the required signal to the bones.

[andmetoo]

Hello,

I would look to the results of academic research in research papers. 'Pubmed' (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) is a good place to look for freely available papers.

After a very brief search (there may be others) I only found this one testing mini-trampolines (published in 2022 - the more recent the research the better and this is recent):

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

It's only tested people with osteopenia, only 40 participants (that's a very small number, too small to draw any strong conclusions) and only for 12 weeks. If you look at the paragraph 'results' it shows no significant change in bone mineral density (to be statistically significant you need to get a result with p=0.05 or less). Although, it did show improvements in balance and functional mobility, strength and gait performance (I'm not sure what 'strength' means - I need to read through this properly - probably muscle strength).

regards, Philip.

[Freshair24 in reply to andmetoo]

Thanks Philip that's really helpful and thorough. I will have a look,like you say probably not relevant as only tested on osteopaninia. The worry is if you already have fractured bones .Much appreciated 😊