ORIGINAL PAPER
Improving physical performance in older women: assessing the safety and impact of a 4-week mini-trampoline jumping exercise program on knee extensor strength – a preliminary randomised controlled trial
1
School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
2
Research Center in Back, Neck and Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
3
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
4
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-03-17
Acceptance date: 2025-10-06
Publication date: 2025-12-22
Corresponding author
Taweesak Janyacharoen
School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16, Mittraphab Road, Nai-Muang, Muang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002
School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, 123 Moo 16, Mittraphab Road, Nai-Muang, Muang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002
Hum Mov. 2025;26(4):139-148
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
Muscle function decline in ageing affects physical abilities and increases fall risk, impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Muscle strength and power are key predictors of functional decline. Jumping training enhances power output but poses risks. Mini-trampolines offer a safer alternative by reducing strain and injury risk. This preliminary randomised controlled trial examined the safety and efficacy of a 4-week mini-trampoline jumping program on knee extensor strength and physical performance in older women.
Methods:
The study compared an experimental group (EG, n = 9) performing 90 jumping contacts three times weekly with a control group (CG, n = 10). Assessments included the five times sit-to-stand test (5STST), power output, timed up and go test (TUGT), 10-metre walk test (10MWT), and knee extension strength measurements.
Results:
Results showed similar maximal strength outcomes between groups, with the EG demonstrating greater, though not statistically significant, improvements in Peak Torque isometric and isokinetic measurements. The EG significantly outperformed the CG in 5STST, power output, and TUGT (p < 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed substantial improvements for the EG in most outcomes (p < 0.05), while the CG showed minimal improvements and declined in TUGT performance.
Conclusions:
The 4-week mini-trampoline jumping program was safe and well-tolerated among older women, with only mild muscle soreness reported. The intervention showed potential benefits for physical performance, but its effect on maximal knee extensor strength remains unclear. Larger, longer-term randomised controlled trials with active comparators are needed to confirm the efficacy for enhancing maximal strength in older adults.
Muscle function decline in ageing affects physical abilities and increases fall risk, impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Muscle strength and power are key predictors of functional decline. Jumping training enhances power output but poses risks. Mini-trampolines offer a safer alternative by reducing strain and injury risk. This preliminary randomised controlled trial examined the safety and efficacy of a 4-week mini-trampoline jumping program on knee extensor strength and physical performance in older women.
Methods:
The study compared an experimental group (EG, n = 9) performing 90 jumping contacts three times weekly with a control group (CG, n = 10). Assessments included the five times sit-to-stand test (5STST), power output, timed up and go test (TUGT), 10-metre walk test (10MWT), and knee extension strength measurements.
Results:
Results showed similar maximal strength outcomes between groups, with the EG demonstrating greater, though not statistically significant, improvements in Peak Torque isometric and isokinetic measurements. The EG significantly outperformed the CG in 5STST, power output, and TUGT (p < 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed substantial improvements for the EG in most outcomes (p < 0.05), while the CG showed minimal improvements and declined in TUGT performance.
Conclusions:
The 4-week mini-trampoline jumping program was safe and well-tolerated among older women, with only mild muscle soreness reported. The intervention showed potential benefits for physical performance, but its effect on maximal knee extensor strength remains unclear. Larger, longer-term randomised controlled trials with active comparators are needed to confirm the efficacy for enhancing maximal strength in older adults.
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