Trampoline use as physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract

Physicians and physiotherapists who care for CF patients have recommended the use of trampolines as a physiotherapeutic tool for enhancing cardiopulmonary performance, encouraging sputum production, and improving general well-being. Despite some therapeutic and recreational benefits associated with trampoline use, papers in the general pediatric population mostly document an increased incidence of injuries, ranging from minor trauma to spinal cord injuries and even death. The aim of this review is to examine the accumulated published data regarding the use of trampolines, to assess their potential contributions and disadvantages for CF patients, and to define whether trampoline use should be recommended. An extensive search in the published medical literature retrieved approximately 60 articles that primarily dealt with trampolines, out of which only two dealt with CF. The preponderance of these articles are reports pertaining to injuries related to the use of trampolines, with only a few describing the medical, physiologic, and/or psychological benefits of trampolines. Based on the accumulated data, the presumed benefits of trampoline use for CF patients are not proven. Furthermore, the suggested benefits could be acquired using other types of exercise. Weighing the known risks of trampolines against the potential benefits that are not unique to this modality suggests that the use of trampolines for CF should not be recommended.

Physical activity for children with chronic disease; a narrative review and practical applications

“…Significant benefits of exercise and habitual PA have been documented for children with CF [29, 30] including improvements in cardiovascular endurance [31, 32], muscular strength [30, 33], quality of life [34, 35], and mucus clearance [36, 37].…”

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity among children, adolescents, and young adults with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research

“…Physical activity, inclusive of sport, exercise and recreational activities, are widely recommended in the management of CF4 due to the beneficial impact on aerobic capacity and lung function,5 6 as well as improvements in cardiovascular endurance,7 muscular strength8 and mucus clearance 9. Physical activity also has a positive impact on health-related quality of life,6 fatigue10 and psychological well-being 11.…”

Abstracts from a joint meeting of the Faculty of Paediatrics of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Irish Paediatric Association, May 2007

“…Trampoline use has not been proven to benefit patients with CF and considering the risk of injury, it has been suggested that trampolining should not be recommended [5]. However, trampolining is very popular among children with CF.…”

“…Postnatally, a further 25 cases were diagnosed. The diagnoses here included Transposition of Great Arteries [4], Coarctation of Aorta [5], TAPVD [2], Critical Pulmonary Stenosis [2], Hypoplastic Left Heart [1], Dextrocardia [3], Ebstein's Anomaly [1], Aortic Stenosis [1], Tetralogy of Fallot [1] VSD/ASD/PDA [4], Complex Cardiac Disease [1]. Of these cases 19 (76%) were suspected prior to discharge.…”