Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study

Abstract

Aim. There are limited studies that indicate the effects of trampoline exercise on strength and other physiological parameters. This study aims to determine whether twelve weeks of trampoline exercise would have any effects on the physical and physiological parameters of male gymnasts. Methods. A number of 20 intercollegiate competitive male gymnasts (as experimental group) and 20 non-athlete male (as control group) participated voluntarily. Their anthropometric characteristics and the anaerobic power were measured and their back strength, vertical jump, standing long jump and 20 meter sprint performances were measured. Results. As a result; whereas 12 weeks of trampoline exercise improved standing long jump (before 242.35 +/- 3.40 cm; after 251.70 +/- 2.95 cm) and also vertical jump, 20 meter sprint speed and anaerobic power of subjects. We did not observe significant changes on back strength performances (before 148.32 +/- 5.73 kg; after 148.10 +/- 5.71). Conclusion. The trampoline exercise protocol improved significantly speed, jump and anaerobic performances of the experimental group, while did not induced any changes on back strength performances. More studies are necessary to confirm the interesting results coming from this pilot intervention.