History of Rebound Therapy
Origins of Trampoline Therapy
19th Century
A French neurologist developed an early trampoline-like apparatus called the Trampolino to assist children with brain injuries.
Source: The Diagnosis and Treatment of Speech and Reading Problems by Carl H. Delacato (1963)
1930s
The modern folding sports trampoline was invented by George Nissen, laying the foundation for therapeutic and recreational trampoline use worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia
Birth of Rebound Therapy
1972–1979
Remedial Gymnast and teacher Eddy Anderson introduced Rebound Therapy in Leeds, UK, and began developing training programmes for staff.
1979–1990
While headteacher in Cleveland LEA, Eddy developed Rebound Therapy further at Springwell and Catcote Schools. Reports were generated by the Sports Council and Schools Council, and interest grew among physiotherapists and trampolining bodies. Eddy also provided tutor training for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and British Trampoline Federation.
Developments and Early Partnerships
1993
Eddy retired from full-time teaching and received the Toshiba Year of Invention award for the Sensafloat device (originally named Float Station), now manufactured by Gym-Tech.
1998
Eddy partnered with the Youth Sports Trust to develop the Elements movement programme for people with disabilities.
2006
Eddy joined forces with Paul and Shirley Kaye (disability sports coaches and Saturn V founders) to establish the ReboundTherapy.org website and consultancy.
Accreditation and International Growth
2008
ReboundTherapy.org gained approved provider status from the Professional Development Board for Physical Education (afPE). This status has been renewed regularly, most recently in 2024.
2009
Awarded the npower Community Award for services to disability sport at the Federation of Disability Sports Organisations’ awards, presented by Uriah Rennie.
Received corporate affiliation to the CPD Institute.
2010
Rebound Therapy was introduced into Australia in partnership with Gymnastics Australia and GNSW.
A working arrangement was formed with the English Federation of Disability Sport (now Activity Alliance).
The Rebound Therapy Institute was established.
2011
National SEN Trampoline Competition and Celebration Framework launched.
2012
Rebound Therapy course qualification accepted for NASC (National Association of Sports Coaches) membership.
2014
Rebound Therapy introduced into Canada.
2016
Rebound Therapy International launched to provide training globally.
2018
Flexi-Bounce Therapy introduced as a daily-use alternative to traditional trampoline sessions, using an orthopaedic rebounder. Training rolled out across the UK.
2019
Courses launched in the USA.
Partnership formed with the International Association of Trampoline Parks (now International Adventure and Trampoline Parks Association).
Accreditation by South African Society of Physiotherapy and the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
2020
‘Centre of Excellence’ accreditation launched for organisations demonstrating high standards in Rebound Therapy provision.
2021
‘Brain Stimulation’ online CPD module introduced for Rebound Therapy and Flexi-Bounce practitioners.
2022
Commissioned by Gymnastic Britannia to deliver the first two courses in their trampoline coach development pathway.
2024
Learning frameworks integrated with Earwig Academic and BSquared, allowing digital tracking of student progress.
Core Rebound Therapy course accredited by The CPD Certification Service – 20 CPD points awarded.
Rebound Plus add-on training module also accredited – 18 CPD points awarded.