Trampolining for Special Needs

David Beckham was filmed jumping his way back into fitness

The termspecial needs is a term used by the British Trampoline Federation to cover those trampolinists who need extra attention while bouncing, and for whom something more than basic coaching skills are required. The reason for this may be a physical or mental disability, or it may be a problem with communication. In the notes supplied by the BTF as part of the Special Needs training course,a list of the benefits of trampolinig is provided. This list includes:

strengthening Limbs

numeracy

patience

communication

co-ordination

independence

self confidence

balance

muscle tone

reaction speed

self image

eye contact

sense of achievement

stamina

spatial awareness

body awareness

social awareness

height/depth perception

colour recognition

fun and enjoyment

It is an impressive list, and obviously every pupil will benefit in different areas to a greater or lesser extent. Looking simply at the physiological benefits which will be achieved even by low level of skill in bouncing, the training notes identified the following benefitial effects of trampolining:

An aerobic effect on the body, improving the intake of oxygen, to the benefit of the heart and lungs.

An effect on muscles, increasing the muscles' capacity for work.

An effec on joints, strengthening muscles, tendons and ligament around the joint, improving movement
(and reducing risks of developing some forms of arthritis).

An effect on circulation - of particular value in instances where there is an interruption of the normal circulatory system, such as trauma.

An effect of the internal organs. Even in seemingly passive activities on the trampoline, the effect of movement and the slight increased G-force will be affecting the internal organs. This activity will be stimulating areas such as digestion and bowels, and over a period enhace their efficiency.

(Associated Press Photo)