New 2024 "Hero" Model Available Now!

Play For Life: Benefits Of Trampolining For Children With Cystic Fibrosis

June 07, 2022

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) is a genetic condition affecting more than 540 people in New Zealand. You are born with CF and cannot catch it later in life, but one in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing. It mainly affects the lungs and pancreas, but over time affects other organs too.

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:

Enhancing cardiopulmonary performance
Encouraging sputum production
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.

Breath4CF Physical Activity Grant

Breath4CF is a physical activity grant aimed at promoting lung health in people with cystic fibrosis.

Exercise is one of the best ways people with CF can manage their own condition and this grant assists them so that cost is not a barrier to staying healthy. Every person with cystic fibrosis, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, is entitled to a Breath4CF grant each year. The allowance is $150 for a child aged 0–5 years, and $300 for ages 6 and above.

Most sport and forms of exercise are covered, as are certain instruments and activities that increase breathing rates and use of the lungs. Typical items purchased through the Breath4CF grant scheme include trampolines, scooters, running shoes, sports club fees and swimming lessons. Read more info about the grant here.

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."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Iain Mars (@iainmars)

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!"