Did you know that trampolines have a long history in preparing astronauts in space programs?
NASA has done extensive research to reveal how trampolines can effectively prepare astronauts for their unique working environment.
There are distinctive challenges associated with the loss of gravity, and these obstacles can affect astronauts even when they return back to earth.
In 1980, a group of four scientists conducted a groundbreaking study that enlisted the help of eight young men between the ages of 19 and 26. They were asked to walk, jog, and run on a treadmill that was set to operate at four different speeds. After that, they asked the same men to rebound to four different heights on a standard sized trampoline. The goal was simple: to measure heart rates, oxygen consumption, and the effect of the exercising stimuli in order to find more effective ways of preparing astronauts for the physical challenges.
What they found was astounding—jumping on the trampoline was much more beneficial than running on the treadmill. The external work output at equivalent levels of oxygen uptake were significantly greater while trampolining than running, up to 68%. The scientists also noted that for similar levels of heart rate and oxygen consumption, the magnitude of the bio mechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running.
Astronauts could now train on trampolines to increase their physical fitness and to better prepare for flights, making space travel safer, more comfortable, and more beneficial for everyone involved. With better health, the astronauts could focus more on their work and spend less time coping with poor health.
NASA uses trampolines to exercise the astronauts when they return from space missions because it helps them regain their balance and recuperate their muscles after a prolonged period of time being in space without gravity. NASA had noted that astronauts lost a considerable amount of their bone and muscle mass while in space and reported a compromise in balance. However, trampolines negated these effects—a crucial breakthrough in the development of space exploration.
The health benefits experienced by the NASA program and space explorers have been invaluable, and have led to even greater scientific breakthroughs.
Whether users are bouncing under an open sky or playing among the stars, trampoline users can enjoy the endless benefits of rebounding exercise—in this galaxy and beyond.