Trampolining could offer unique advantages, especially for older women who are more susceptible to conditions such as osteoporosis and urinary incontinence. In the United States, about 70% of women over 60 experience some form of urinary incontinence. This challenge is real in other parts of the world including Kenya. Most suffer from stress incontinence, which is caused by physical activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as laughing, coughing, or sneezing.

Some studies suggest that trampolining may help preserve or strengthen the muscles that can prevent stress incontinence. A small 2018 study found that mini-trampoline jumping highly activates pelvic floor muscles, while another unpublished study indicates that rebounding could enhance pelvic floor function. The latter study involved 37 postmenopausal women who did 30-minute mini-trampoline workouts thrice weekly. After 12 weeks, they experienced improvements in urinary incontinence and higher bone mineral density. However, their bone mineral density returned to normal when they stopped rebounding regularly.

Anja Fricke, a graduate student at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, and the study’s lead author, recommends that women start with simple jumps while holding onto a handrail if available. It’s suggested, to begin with, intervals of eight minutes of bouncing followed by two-minute breaks. For enhanced pelvic floor muscle activation, Ms. Fricke advises squeezing a soft gym ball or a lightweight kids’ soccer ball between the legs while jumping off with both legs while keeping the ball in place.