Body acceleration distribution and its relation to the mode of generation were determined in eight young males (19-26 yr) who walked and ran on a treadmill operated at four speeds and jumped on a trampoline at four heights. With increasing treadmill speed, peak acceleration at the ankle (Aa = 3.0-12.0 Gz) always exceeded that at the back and forehead (Ab = 0.9-5.0 Gz, and Ah = 0.8-3.9 Gz); these acceleration profiles included higher frequency components than those during jumping. Corresponding ranges of oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were 0.8-3.0 l/min and 90-180 beats/min, respectively. With increasing jumping height, acceleration levels were more symmetrically distributed (Aa = 3.0-7.0 Gz, Ab = 3.9-6.0 Gz, and Ah = 3.0-5.6 Gz); VO2 and HR ranges were 1.1-2.5 l/min and 102-175 beats/min, respectively. VO2 was linearly related to HR for both types of exercise. The results indicate that, for similar levels of HR and VO2, the magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running, a finding that might help identify acceleration parameters needed for the design of remedial procedures to avert deconditioning in persons exposed to weightlessness.