'Trampoline therapy boosted my mental health'

Rebound therapy has been shown to increase mobility, help with emotional regulation, and boost muscle strength

A patient who used the services of a mental health charity said trampoline therapy had significantly improved her physical and mental health.

Simone has been participating in a variety of rebound therapy sessions at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton for the past 18 months.

Rebound therapy involves the use of trampolines to provide therapeutic exercise for individuals with various needs, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, and autism.

Simone said she now felt "a lot fitter physically", and that her mental health had "improved", adding that the sessions had become her "safe space", free from stress or worries.

Abigail Ralph introduced the therapy to St Andrew's Healthcare

St Andrew’s Healthcare has been using rebound therapy to support patients with complex psychological and physical needs for around three years.

The charity now plans to extend the therapy across its occupational health teams.

Sports and exercise therapist Abigail Ralph, who introduced the therapy to the charity, said: "If you're going through a hard time or struggling emotionally, getting on the trampoline can help.

"Sometimes, you need to break the mood you're in, and this is a great way to do that while interacting with others."

Simone added: "I wouldn't have come this far without [rebound therapy].

"Two years ago, I would have been terrified but now, rebound has given me hope for the future."

Rebound therapy has been used at St Andrew's Healthcare for several years

'A lot more confident'

Surveys conducted among patients in the women’s mental health services at St Andrew’s Healthcare showed positive results from rebound therapy.

Around 60% of participants reported improvements in overall strength and fitness, with many able to perform higher-level movements.

Additionally, 95% of patients noted an improvement in their mood after sessions.

Another patient, who is participating in the therapy said: “I felt very nervous when staff suggested to me trying out a trampoline as I had never been on one before.

"But staff gave me lots of praise and encouragement. I do feel more motivated and happier. I have also recently started to feel a lot more confident.”