
“For several years, we have been working with the highly flexible
bellicon® trampolines in the Schwarzwaldklinik Bad Rippoldsau. Not only
in group therapy (using 13 trebounders in a circle), but also in
individual therapy do we train very effectively with these new devices.
The
participants love the flexibility and dynamism, the feeling they get
when rebounding, the dynamic changes between bouncing upwards and
landing, and the many possibilities for exercise. The feet do not leave
the rebounding mat though when training, but stay securely in contact
with it.
Together with music, to the rhythm of the beat, this form of
“movement” therapy is a very easy way to exercise for all those who
either dislike it, or don’t do sport at all. When we therapists then
also explain the advantages and effectiveness, the patients are quickly
convinced. This is clearly the basis for exercise that is to be
effective, and that can also be continued at home.
The positive
feedback from trampoline bouncing on the bellicon®, the feeling of joy
when lifting off and accelerating is the consequence of exercise
experiences we gathered as children. Although this probably occurred a
long time ago, we latch on to it again now. This provokes a smile on our
face, something we therapists always enjoy seeing as well.
Preventative
exercise with the bellicon® trampoline
The
bellicon® is equipped with highly flexible individual rope rings and
therefore offer a notably soft and gentle training method. As the
trampoline is also available with support handles, older people in
particular are able to use this device without danger.
This form of
exercise will bring you health benefits very quickly. Due to the
repeated acceleration and brake movement, the muscles are permanently
tensed and relaxed. These pressure and pull impulses accelerate our
metabolism and ensure that the structure of our tissues is better
maintained.
Cardiovascular system
Although training on the
trampoline doesn’t seem very strenuous, it is still a very good
cardiovascular workout. We calculate the impact (pressure) by using the
Borg chart from one to ten. After five minutes, the participants are
asked to determine the intensity of the impact they are experiencing.
Regular testing prevents overstraining and the total workout lasts no
longer than 30 minutes.
Muscle building
Trampoline training
is a very effective way to build muscles. Due to the changing
acceleration forces, all muscles are reactively innervated. The
increased gravitation force when braking causes the eccentric muscle
activity to be intensified. The pelvic floor muscles also profit from
these reactively changing pressures. Posture is improved by the vertical
pressure against gravitation.
Joints and intervertebral discs
Articular
cartilage and intervertebral discs are only nourished by pressure and
tractive forces. Without sufficient exercise, cartilage matrix loses its
substance. A workout on the highly flexible trampoline is therefore so
beneficial because the gentle suspension ensures that the pressure on
the joints remains minimal, whilst the tension around the muscle sheath
gives the joints good stability.
On the one hand, the segment
stabilizing muscles work synergistically with the transverse abdominals
to ensure a stable body, whilst on the other hand, due to the exertion
and relaxation, these muscles are supplied with oxygen so they don’t
lose their ability to relax.
Even after spinal disc operations do we
use the bellicon® in individual therapy. Gentle swinging whilst keeping
an eye on the torso is less of a strain than walking. This way it’s easy
to control and to increase the ability to endure pressure.
Immune system
The pumping action of the muscles accelerates the lymphatic system which is jointly responsible for our immune system.
Weight control
Exercising
really activates our metabolism. It also improves peristalsis and thus
shortens digestion time. In addition, it should be mentioned that fat is
only burned with moderate exercise. Gentle exercise on the bellicon®
encourages this. “Power training” only burns the easy available
carbohydrates and doesn’t help at all with losing weight.
Balance and equilibrium
The
unstable trampoline mat ensures that balance has to be continuously
controlled. This coordination training is very important, especially in
preventing falls. The capacity of the muscles to react increases and
ensures that for instance in icy conditions the body is able to
adequately use its reflexes.
Regeneration and stress reduction
A
reduction in stress hormones occurs in the first place through exercise
and breathing. Regular, slow, tensing and relaxing of the muscles
functions like a massage from the inside: breathing slows down, becomes
even and deeper. Through better circulation, the ability to regenerate
is accelerated. It’s like the “cool down” of a football player after a
match. The ability to concentrate is clearly improved after exercise.
Lust for
life and increased self worth
Light
depression can be treated by physical activity and without medicine.
Important is the length of the exercise taken and stamina. With this
illness, the effect only becomes apparent after several weeks. The best
remedy is light endurance training over a longer period. We recommend
bouncing to music. During their daily exercise, patients should listen
to their favorite music, be it rock, pop, jazz or classical. A little
exercise at a time can give the feeling: “I can do it”! These successes
are very important for the next step. This brings about a positive
feeling for life and more self-esteem.”
Andreas Sperber, physiotherapist
Bahnhofstr. 5
72270 Baiersbronn
praxis@sperber-physio.de
www.sperber-physio.de