Keeping your little ones active has a range of benefits! Trampolining is great exercise, improves sleep, lifts mood and can help manage anxiety.
If your child has Cystic Fibrosis, it can also be a great way to complement their treatment.
We recommend checking with your doctor first that it is safe for your child to bounce on a trampoline.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) primarily affects the lungs and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system that’s responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus. There is currently no cure.
People with CF develop an abnormal amount of excessively thick and sticky mucus within the lungs, airways and the digestive system. This causes impairment of the digestive functions of the pancreas and traps bacteria in the lungs resulting in recurrent infections, leading to irreversible damage. Lung failure is the major cause of death for someone with CF.
From birth, a person with CF undergoes constant medical treatments and physiotherapy.
In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with CF, that’s one every four days. On average one in 25 people carry the CF gene and most are unaware that they are carriers. Because carriers of CF are unaffected and therefore show no symptoms, it is hard for them to appreciate that CF may be a real risk.
Trampolines and Cystic Fibrosis
While bouncing on a trampoline is not a traditional method of treatment, many young cystic fibrosis patients are using a trampoline to complement their treatment.
Bouncing on a trampoline is an active, independent exercise with results which are thought to be indistinguishable from traditional treatments like percussion treatment and chest physiotherapy.
PHYSICAL
Exercise is one of the best ways children with CF can manage their condition. Daily exercise can help to minimise build up in the lungs and airways which could otherwise attract infection. Jumping on a trampoline is a fun way to get the exercise needed while also helping to clear build up in the lungs.
Some physicians and physiotherapists have also used trampolines as a physiotherapeutic tool for cystic fibrosis patients to help with:
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Enhancing cardiopulmonary performance
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Encouraging sputum production
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Improving general wellbeing
SOCIAL
With trampolining, your child can play by themselves, with siblings or with friends while at the same time getting some effective treatment. There are a range of awesome trampoline games kids can play. Trampolining is also great fun!
MENTAL
Bouncing can bring pure joy with all the endorphins flowing, it can elevate your child's mood and enhance their energy levels. Exercise can help kids with cystic fibrosis to regulate their energy levels and alertness, making it easier for kids to sleep too!
Safe bouncing is vital!
The duration of bouncing will change depending on your child’s treatment needs – so be sure to speak to your doctor or therapist if you are considering trampoline therapy for your child.
Fitness Equipment Subsidy
Regular exercise is excellent for not only general health, but can assist with airway clearance, increasing bone density and building muscle tone in people living with CF.
Some Cystic Fibrosis charities understands that the annual cost of a gym membership can put this option out of reach for many people with CF due to the many costs they have associated with the condition.
They also know that buying equipment to maintain your fitness can be expensive. Some charities provide a contribution towards the cost of something of your choice - whether it be traditional gym equipment to use at home such as a treadmill or exercise bike, an outdoor bike or even a trampoline.
Read more about Cystic Fibrosis support services.
Review from a Jumpflex Parent
"When we moved house I wanted to get Evie a decent trampoline for the garden and @jumpflextrampolines was the one that came recommended and they certainly delivered
It was very easy to put together considering the size and how well constructed it is. It also comes with a ladder so the lady of the manor can climb up and have a good bounce whenever she wants.
✅ Fresh air
✅ Extra physio
✅ Happy Evie
✅ Happy Daddy
Jumping is AMAZING physio for Evie as #cysticfibrosis can cause thick sticky mucus to build up on her lungs and bouncing can help shake it off."
And another...
"Thanks for the memories Jumpflex! My daughter has cystic fibrosis and a trampoline is great for her airways. Thanks for making taking care of her health even easier!"