A Superjump® Into ACSM Guidelines

Abstract

SuperJump® (SJ) is a fitness activity combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises performed on a mini trampoline. The exercise intensity can be modified by changing countermovement depth, jump height, and frequency. Although it has been hypothesized that practicing SJ may contribute to daily physical activity recommendations, no study has quantified intensity. PURPOSE: To investigate heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion responses of a SJ workout. METHODS: Seventeen (Males: n=9; Females: n=8) young adults (age: 25.8±2.7 years; height: 1.7±0.1 m; weight: 66.2±12.1 kg) volunteered for the study. The intensity of the activity was assessed by means of HR monitors during a SJ session (30-min). At the end of each bout of exercise, session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) on a CR10 scale were recorded. Percentages of age-predicted maximal HR (%HRmax) were utilized to quantify intensity. %HRmax data were categorically separated according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) classes of intensity (very light: <57%HRmax; light: 57-63%HRmax; moderate: 64-76%HRmax; vigorous: 77-95%HRmax; near maximal to maximal: ≥96%HRmax). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate differences (p<0.05) in relation to gender and exercise intensity. Post hoc analysis was applied using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: No difference emerged for gender for HR and sRPE data. Frequency of occurrence of %HRmax was significantly higher (p<0.005) for the moderate intensity (48.9±34.9%) with respect to very light (5.5±9.5%), light (16.5±24.4%) and vigorous (29.1±37.7%) intensities, while none of the subjects experienced near maximal to maximal values. According to sRPE values (3.1±1.2) subjects rated the SJ session as moderate. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that SJ can be classified as moderate physical activity according to ACSM guidelines. Therefore, SJ may contribute to meet daily physical activity recommendations by representing an alternative form of low-impact aerobic exercise. Further studies should investigate the long-term effects of SJ training on health-related physical fitness parameters.