Characterisation of trampoline bounce using acceleration

Abstract

The hazards associated with trampoline usage have been extensively researched in biomechanics and within the product safety and injury prevention community. To-date little research has been published on the biomechanical benefits associated with trampoline usage. The primary aim of this research project was to measure the cyclical G-force loading experienced by a trampoline user under varying conditions. The experimental apparatus incorporated a tri-axial accelerometer system coupled with a high-speed camera to measure the trampoline bed deflection with respect to time. Three commonly available trampolines were studied. The acceleration and trampoline bed displacement data were measured simultaneously when triggered by the movement of the trampoline user. The variables studied included: the slope of the leading-edge of the acceleration pulse, the slope of trailing-edge of the acceleration pulse, the peak acceleration, the peak to peak cycle-time, air-time, and the bed deflection. Trampoline users experience cyclical loadings between almost weightlessness to approximately 5 G-force. Both qualitative and quantitative data was used to characterise the performance of each trampoline. The quantitative data were tested by enlisting volunteers to duplicate the experimental conditions and then provide their subjective opinions on the performance of each trampoline through the completion of a survey questionnaire.