Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
📩 Contact us: [talkingwithdocs@gmail.com](mailto:talkingwithdocs@gmail.com)
Can rebounding actually build stronger bones?
Rebounding — exercising on a mini trampoline — has become increasingly popular, with claims that it can improve bone density, cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, lymphatic flow, and even “detoxify” the body.
But how much of that is actually supported by evidence?
In this episode of Talking With Docs, the doctors take a closer look at rebounding, including the famous 1980 NASA study that is often used to claim trampoline exercise is significantly better than running.
They break down what that study actually found, what “68% more mechanical work” really means, and why that number does not mean rebounding is 68% better for your health or your bones.
You’ll learn:
• What rebounding actually is and how mini-trampoline exercise works
• Why a 1980 NASA study is frequently mentioned in discussions about rebounding
• What researchers meant by “68% more mechanical work” at a similar oxygen consumption
• Why mechanical efficiency does not automatically translate into greater health benefits
• Whether rebounding has been shown to increase bone density
• Why current rebounding studies are relatively small
• What the research suggests about femoral neck bone density
• Why bone responds to loading, impact, and strain rate
• Why resistance training and weight-bearing exercise remain important for building and maintaining bone
• How rebounding may help improve leg strength
• How mini-trampoline exercise may improve balance and mobility
• Why improved strength and balance may help reduce the risk of falls
• How rebounding may reduce fear of falling and improve confidence with movement
• Why rebounding may feel more joint-friendly for some people
• Why people with severe osteoporosis or poor balance should be cautious before starting
• Whether rebounding is really better than treadmill exercise
• Whether rebounding has any unique effect on the lymphatic system
• Why exercise in general helps circulation and movement of lymphatic fluid
• Why claims that rebounding uniquely “detoxifies” the body are misleading
• Whether rebounding burns more calories than other forms of exercise
• Why enjoying an activity and actually doing it consistently can still make rebounding worthwhile
The key takeaway is:
Rebounding can be a useful form of cardiovascular exercise that may improve strength, balance, mobility, and confidence — but it has not been shown to be a superior bone-building exercise.
If your primary goal is improving bone strength, resistance training and appropriate weight-bearing exercise have much stronger evidence behind them.
That does not mean you should avoid rebounding.
If you enjoy it, it gets you moving, and you can do it safely, it can absolutely be part of an active lifestyle. Just be cautious about claims that one specific form of exercise provides unique benefits that other types of physical activity cannot.
And if you have osteoporosis, significant balance problems, a history of falls, or another condition that may increase your risk of injury, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.
🎧Listen on Your Favourite Platforms:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEji...
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...
YouTube Music:
• TWD Podcast
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https://donate.oakvillehospitalfounda...
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🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The safety and suitability of rebounding or any other form of exercise can vary depending on age, bone health, balance, mobility, previous injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you have osteoporosis, a history of falls, significant balance problems, or concerns about starting a new exercise program, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.
#rebounding #bonehealth #bonedensity #osteoporosis #exercise #strengthtraining #balance #healthyaging #fitness #talkingwithdocs
📩 Contact us: [talkingwithdocs@gmail.com](mailto:talkingwithdocs@gmail.com)
Can rebounding actually build stronger bones?
Rebounding — exercising on a mini trampoline — has become increasingly popular, with claims that it can improve bone density, cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, lymphatic flow, and even “detoxify” the body.
But how much of that is actually supported by evidence?
In this episode of Talking With Docs, the doctors take a closer look at rebounding, including the famous 1980 NASA study that is often used to claim trampoline exercise is significantly better than running.
They break down what that study actually found, what “68% more mechanical work” really means, and why that number does not mean rebounding is 68% better for your health or your bones.
You’ll learn:
• What rebounding actually is and how mini-trampoline exercise works
• Why a 1980 NASA study is frequently mentioned in discussions about rebounding
• What researchers meant by “68% more mechanical work” at a similar oxygen consumption
• Why mechanical efficiency does not automatically translate into greater health benefits
• Whether rebounding has been shown to increase bone density
• Why current rebounding studies are relatively small
• What the research suggests about femoral neck bone density
• Why bone responds to loading, impact, and strain rate
• Why resistance training and weight-bearing exercise remain important for building and maintaining bone
• How rebounding may help improve leg strength
• How mini-trampoline exercise may improve balance and mobility
• Why improved strength and balance may help reduce the risk of falls
• How rebounding may reduce fear of falling and improve confidence with movement
• Why rebounding may feel more joint-friendly for some people
• Why people with severe osteoporosis or poor balance should be cautious before starting
• Whether rebounding is really better than treadmill exercise
• Whether rebounding has any unique effect on the lymphatic system
• Why exercise in general helps circulation and movement of lymphatic fluid
• Why claims that rebounding uniquely “detoxifies” the body are misleading
• Whether rebounding burns more calories than other forms of exercise
• Why enjoying an activity and actually doing it consistently can still make rebounding worthwhile
The key takeaway is:
Rebounding can be a useful form of cardiovascular exercise that may improve strength, balance, mobility, and confidence — but it has not been shown to be a superior bone-building exercise.
If your primary goal is improving bone strength, resistance training and appropriate weight-bearing exercise have much stronger evidence behind them.
That does not mean you should avoid rebounding.
If you enjoy it, it gets you moving, and you can do it safely, it can absolutely be part of an active lifestyle. Just be cautious about claims that one specific form of exercise provides unique benefits that other types of physical activity cannot.
And if you have osteoporosis, significant balance problems, a history of falls, or another condition that may increase your risk of injury, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.
🎧Listen on Your Favourite Platforms:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3OFxEji...
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...
YouTube Music:
• TWD Podcast
👕Shop Our MERCH:
https://www.spreadshirt.ca/shop/user/...
❤️ **Support Oakville Hospital:**
https://donate.oakvillehospitalfounda...
📱 Follow Us:
TikTok: / talkingwithdocs
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkingwith...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The safety and suitability of rebounding or any other form of exercise can vary depending on age, bone health, balance, mobility, previous injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you have osteoporosis, a history of falls, significant balance problems, or concerns about starting a new exercise program, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.
#rebounding #bonehealth #bonedensity #osteoporosis #exercise #strengthtraining #balance #healthyaging #fitness #talkingwithdocs
