Trampolining can be a powerful tool for supporting individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). An outdoor trampoline provides consistent, rhythmic movement that many find helps with sensory regulation, body awareness, and overall well-being. From gentle bouncing to more active play, trampolining offers adaptable sensory experiences that can be tailored to individual needs.
Warren Newbery – founding director of Happy Hideouts – explains how sensory trampolines can play a powerful role in supporting individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), helping improve balance, focus, and overall wellbeing.
Important: While trampolining can offer various sensory benefits, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly an occupational therapist, before starting any new physical activity. They can provide personalised guidance based on individual sensory needs and ensure activities are appropriate and beneficial.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD
What is SPD?
Sensory Processing Disorder affects how the brain processes and responds to sensory information. This can include sensitivity to movement, touch, sound, and visual input. While everyone processes sensory information differently, individuals with SPD may find certain sensations overwhelming or may seek out specific types of sensory input to help them feel regulated and focused.
Common sensory challenges
People with SPD may experience varying responses to sensory input. Some might be over-responsive, finding certain sensations overwhelming. Others might be under-responsive, requiring more intense sensory experiences to register the input. Many actively seek specific types of movement or pressure that help them feel more balanced and organised.
How trampolines can help with SPD
Vestibular Input and balance
The gentle up-and-down motion of trampolining provides valuable vestibular input – movement information that helps us understand where our body is in space. This rhythmic movement can help improve balance, coordination, and spatial awareness in a controlled, enjoyable way.
Regular trampolining allows individuals to experience different types of movement patterns, helping the brain process and organise vestibular information more effectively. The predictable nature of bouncing can make this sensory input more manageable and beneficial.
Proprioceptive Input and body awareness
Each bounce on a trampoline provides proprioceptive feedback – information about body position and movement. This input helps develop better body awareness and can improve motor planning skills. The consistent pressure through the joints and muscles during bouncing can have a naturally organising effect on the sensory system.
Sensory regulation
Trampolining can help with sensory regulation by providing controllable, repetitive movement. Some people find that bouncing helps them feel calmer and more focused, while others use it as a way to get the movement input they’re seeking. The key is that individuals can control the intensity and duration of their bouncing to match their sensory needs.
What is a sensory trampoline?
A sensory trampoline is designed to provide a calming, rhythmic movement experience that supports sensory regulation and body awareness. Unlike traditional trampolines focused on big jumps or tricks, sensory trampolines prioritise comfort, safety, and consistency — ideal for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
These trampolines often feature soft, quiet bounce systems, high-quality safety enclosures, and stable frames that promote confidence and relaxation. The gentle, predictable motion helps with balance, coordination, and focus, making it a valuable part of a structured sensory routine.
When paired with activities suggested by an occupational therapist, a sensory trampoline can become a powerful tool for supporting everyday regulation, offering both fun and therapeutic benefits in a safe, outdoor setting.
Trampoline activities for SPD
Basic bouncing
Start with gentle, rhythmic bouncing at a comfortable height. This allows the person to get used to the movement and find their comfortable pace. Some might prefer very small bounces, while others might enjoy more height – let them guide the intensity level that feels right for them.
Crawling and rolling
The trampoline surface provides an interesting sensory experience for non-bouncing movements too. Crawling, rolling, or even just lying on the trampoline can offer valuable sensory input. The slightly unstable surface adds an extra element of body awareness to these movements.
Jumping with variations
As confidence grows, try adding simple variations to jumping patterns. This might include alternating between high and low bounces, jumping and stopping, or incorporating arm movements. Always follow the individual’s lead on what feels comfortable and enjoyable.
Safety considerations and tips
Choosing the right trampoline
Look for a trampoline with strong safety features, including good-quality netting and padding. Consider the garden space available and ensure there’s enough room for safe access. The right size trampoline should allow comfortable movement while maintaining safety.
Creating a safe jumping environment
Set up your trampoline in a quiet area of the garden where possible, reducing additional sensory input that might be overwhelming. Ensure the ground is level and consider adding shock-absorbing mats around the trampoline. Clear rules about safe use help everyone feel more confident.
Addressing individual needs
Pay attention to individual preferences around time of day, weather conditions, and duration of bouncing. Some people might prefer shorter sessions, while others benefit from longer periods of movement. Being flexible and responsive to these preferences helps make trampolining more beneficial.
Trampolines and SPD in the UK
Finding accessible trampoline facilities
Many UK leisure centres now offer sensory-friendly trampoline sessions. Some specialist centres provide supported trampolining with staff who understand SPD. These can be great places to try trampolining before investing in home equipment.
Working with healthcare professionals
Occupational therapists can provide valuable guidance on using trampolines as part of a sensory diet. They can suggest specific activities and help monitor how trampolining affects individual sensory processing patterns.
Real experiences: how trampolining supports people with sensory processing disorder
Paul V Kaye, the co-founder of Rebound Therapy – a form of trampolining that provides opportunities for movement, therapeutic exercise and recreation for people with additional needs – shared how a couple of people with sensory processing disorder have benefited from trampolining:
“We have had great success using Rebound Therapy with students with sensory processing disorder, as the activity is interactive and lots of fun! One example is a young lady who has been working on sitting exercises, using her hands to push into the trampoline to create movement. This young lady has physical strength, but finds it challenging to apply force to the trampoline. Her coach has been using hand-on-hand support, and sensory soft toys with squeakers to encourage processing and teaching of cause and effect.
“Another person with a similar profile has been working on standing exercises, co-ordinating a gentle knee bend to ‘bobble’ the trampoline, and has shown improvement in coordination and rhythm.”
You can find out more about Happy Hideouts and its range of premium trampolines here: Happy Hideouts: Premium Trampolines For Active Play At Home With Disabled Children
If you want to find more affordable and adaptable ways to keep fit and healthy, check out Emma Purcell’s guest article: 5 Free And Accessible Ways To Stay Active With A Disability
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