Running on the mini-trampoline compared to running on the treadmill

Völker K, Schmidt B, Fromme A, Mooren FC, Thorwesten L

Abstract

Equipment-supported Indoor-Cardio-Fitness advertisements propose a higher efficiency when compared to traditional types of endurance sport. In this context, the question of the efficiency of running on a mini-trampoline in comparison to running on a treadmill was raised. Ten women and 11 men, ages between 20 and 30 years, each performed a step-test both on the mini-trampoline and the treadmill. The scheme of exercise included 5 levels, which were graduated by metronomic frequency (138 - 200 b.p.m.). The speed of the treadmill was regulated according to the metronomic frequency. At each level VO2, heart rate, lactic acid and rate of per-ceived exertion were measured. The VO2 was continuously and distinctively higher on the tread-mill than at comparable levels on the mini-trampoline whereas the HR was distinctively increased only at higher levels of intensity. The lactic acid curve on the treadmill showed a classic progression, whereas it increased only slightly starting from an elevated level for the mini-trampoline. Running on the mini-trampoline at lower levels of frequency was judged more exhausting, whereas higher frequencies were regarded as less exhausting than on the treadmill. Running on a mini-trampoline is almost comparable to running on a treadmill. When regarding the oxygen uptake as a criterion for the efficiency and thus the energy consumption, running on a treadmill is certainly more efficient