Bouncing in Exercise Science

Bouncing up and down is a healthy activity that stimulates the lymphatic system. The shape of bouncing is determined in part by the act of pushing up from the ground, as well as the effect of the force of gravity on the body, and any sort of cushioning of the descent by the joints or equipment.

Consider the following graph, excerpted from the series The Science of Exercise Equipment from Schottenbauer Publishing:

Discussion Questions

1. How high is the bounce?
2. Over what time segment does the bounce occur?
3. Does the person travel sideways during the bounce?
4. Is it possible to determine whether the bounce is cushioned by the knees, the Bosu, or both? If so, what provides the most cushioning? [Note: A Bosu is a dome-shaped inflatable device used for exercise.]
5. On a piece of paper, sketch the person's position at the beginning, highest point, and end of the bounce. Focus on the center of the abdomen.
6. Redraw the graph with the initial position at (0,0). Label the axes with the correct coordinates.
7. Redraw the graph with the highest bounce position at (0,0). Label the axes with the correct coordinates.
8. Redraw the graph with the horizontal line on the x-axis and the highest bounce position at x=0. Label the axes with the correct coordinates.
9. On a piece of paper, list as many athletic activities as possible which involve bouncing or jumping. Use a time limit of 60 seconds.

The following books from Schottenbauer Publishing contain a more extensive collection of graphs and data pertaining to the science of athletic training:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

• The Science of the Athletic Training
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis
• The Science of Exercise Equipment
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis

• The Science of Gymnastics
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis
• The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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