The Effect of Skipping rope Exercise on Physical and Cardiovascular fitness among Collegiate Males

Abstract

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of skipping rope exercise on physical fitness and cardiovascular fitness among collegiate males. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Sedentary life style is contributing to the early onset and progression of life style disease such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Cardiovascular fitness reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like diabetes or Hypertension. Skipping rope is a low-cost physical activity. Thus, its impact on the physical fitness is being studied by various researchers. Skipping rope involves the muscles in arms and legs, and it also improves cardiovascular function. METHODOLOGY: This experimental study was conducted among collegiate males of age group between 18 and 25 years at Faculty of physiotherapy. Study duration was twelve weeks. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling method. Inclusion criteria were inactive subjects based on IPAQ-S. Exclusion criteria were minimally active and active subjects based on IPAQ-S, sports population, those with heart disease, any lung disease and anemia. Outcome measure for cardiovascular fitness is VO2 max by step test and Physical fitness by FMS (Functional Movement Screening) and by IPAQ-S (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form). PROCEDURE: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-S) was given to participants initially Inactive subjects were recruited based on IPAQ-S values and randomly divided into two groups Group A (experimental) and Group B (control group). Subjects were selected based on inclusion criteria. Pre-Assessment of the cardiovascular fitness and physical fitness were noted. Experimental group received skipping rope exercise two sessions per day from moderate to vigorous intensity based on target heart rate including warm up and cool down period to avoid injuries. Exercise began with 55% of target heart rate and then progressed to 65% by 2 nd week and progressed to 70% by 3 rd week and 75 % by 4 th week and finally 85% by 5 th week. Group B (control group) were suggested to do their as usual routine activities. Heart Rate was periodically noted. Post test scores were recorded after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULT: On comparing the pre and post test values between groups, it shows statistically significant improvement in Group A (Experimental group) at p ≤ 0.001 on VO2 max and FMS.

Full text

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 12(10): October 2019
4831
ISSN 0974-3618 (Print) www.rjptonline.org
0974-360X (Online)
RESEARCH ARTICLE
The Effect of Skipping rope Exercise on Physical and Cardiovascular
fitness among Collegiate Males
Veena Kirthika. S1*, Lakshmanan. R1, Padmanabhan. K1, Selvaraj Sudhakar1,
Senthil Selvam. P2
1Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Maduravoyal, Chennai–600095
2School of Physiotherapy, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
*Corresponding Author E-mail: veena.physio@drmgrdu.ac.in
ABSTRACT:
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To determine the effect of skipping rope exercise on physical fitness and
cardiovascular fitness among collegiate males. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Sedentary life style is
contributing to the early onset and progression of life style disease such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension,
diabetes and obesity. Cardiovascular fitness reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like diabetes or
Hypertension. Skipping rope is a low-cost physical activity. Thus, its impact on the physical fitness is being
studied by various researchers. Skipping rope involves the muscles in arms and legs, and it also improves
cardiovascular function. METHODOLOGY: This experimental study was conducted among collegiate males of
age group between 18 and 25 years at Faculty of physiotherapy. Study duration was twelve weeks. Subjects were
selected by simple random sampling method. Inclusion criteria were inactive subjects based on IPAQ-S.
Exclusion criteria were minimally active and active subjects based on IPAQ-S, sports population, those with
heart disease, any lung disease and anemia. Outcome measure for cardiovascular fitness is VO2 max by step test
and Physical fitness by FMS (Functional Movement Screening) and by IPAQ-S (International Physical Activity
Questionnaire – Short form). PROCEDURE: International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-
S) was given to participants initially Inactive subjects were recruited based on IPAQ-S values and randomly
divided into two groups Group A (experimental) and Group B (control group). Subjects were selected based on
inclusion criteria. Pre-Assessment of the cardiovascular fitness and physical fitness were noted. Experimental
group received skipping rope exercise two sessions per day from moderate to vigorous intensity based on target
heart rate including warm up and cool down period to avoid injuries. Exercise began with 55% of target heart
rate and then progressed to 65% by 2nd week and progressed to 70% by 3rd week and 75 % by 4th week and finally
85% by 5th week. Group B (control group) were suggested to do their as usual routine activities. Heart Rate was
periodically noted. Post test scores were recorded after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULT: On comparing the
pre and post test values between groups, it shows statistically significant improvement in Group A (Experimental
group) at p ≤ 0.001 on VO2 max and FMS.
KEYWORDS: Vo2 max, FMS, Cardiovascular fitness, Physical fitness, Step test, Target Heart Rate, Pulse ox
meter, IPAQ-S, Skipping rope, Exercise intensity.
Received on 03.04.2019 Modified on 21.05.2019
Accepted on 28.06.2019 © RJPT All right reserved
Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 2019; 12(10):4831-4835.
DOI: 10.5958/0974-360X.2019.00836.9
INTRODUCTION:
Skipping rope is a cheap and portable material which is
affordable to everyone and also needs only minimum
space. It is a low-cost physical activity, thus its impact
on the physical fitness is being studied by various
researchers Skipping rope exercise involves the muscles
in arms and legs, and it also improves cardiovascular
function and metabolism(1). Many researchers suggested
that physical activities including skipping rope would
give better result in physical fitness(2,3,4,5,6,7). During
initiation of this skipping rope, arms rotate the rope and

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 12(10): October 2019
4832
both legs would perform repeated jumping, at the same
time it aims to maintain constant vertical take-off and
landing phases and body also needs to control the
balance and force through a coordinated action of upper
and lower body muscle groups. The role of skipping rope
exercises within training programs has been proved that
it gives positive effects on physiological parameters of
cardiovascular and respiratory systems(8,9,10).
Epidemiological study has shown that sedentary life
style will lead to onset and progression of life
threatening disease such as hypertension, cardiovascular
disease and obesity(11). It is a serious growing health
problem. Thus, it is essential to be fit physically and
improve the cardiovascular fitness. Causes of mortality
indicated that both the low physical fitness and low
cardiovascular fitness have higher risk factor and is
relatively associated with higher mortality rate among
both men and women(12,13). Krahenbuhl in 1985 had
demonstrated that VO2max and reduction in O2
consumption at submaximal workloads which predicts
the endurance fitness or cardiovascular fitness(14).
When performing skipping rope exercise, it is necessary
to coordinate the upper and lower body to maintain
balance and rhythm. Skipping rope can enhance the
precise coordination of multiple muscle groups, which is
why it is used widely in athletic training programs.
Skipping rope combines the angular momentum of the
rope and vertical displacement of the body. Also,
skipping rope involves upper and lower synchrony
(hand-foot coordination) where positioning and timing is
critical. The ability of time reproduction makes it
possible to reproduce specified time periods with great
precision. Skipping rope skill involves good perception
of time reproduction(15,16) In spite of numerous
publications on various general physical capacities (i.e.
jumping or running), there haven’t any investigation
related to the effects of skipping rope exercise on
physical fitness and cardiovascular fitness among
inactive college students. Thus this study is intended to
study the effects of skipping rope exercises on physical
and cardiovascular fitness among collegiate males.
METHODOLOGY:
This experimental study was conducted among collegiate
males of age group between 18 and 25 years at Faculty
of physiotherapy Dr. MGR Educational and Research
Institute. Study duration was twelve weeks. Subjects
were selected by simple random sampling method.
Inclusion criteria were inactive subjects based on IPAQ-
S. Exclusion criteria were minimally active and active
subjects based on IPAQ-S, sports population, those with
heart disease, any lung disease and anemia. Outcome
measure for cardiovascular fitness is VO2 max by step
test and Physical fitness by FMS (Functional Movement
Screening) and by IPAQ-S (International Physical
Activity Questionnaire–Short form). Skipping rope and
Pulse ox meter were the materials used.
PROCEDURE:
Inactive subjects were recruited based on IPAQ-S values
and randomly divided into two groups Group A
(experimental) and Group B (control group). Subjects
were selected based on inclusion criteria.
All the subjects signed informed consent before
initiation of the exercise. Experimental group received
skipping rope exercise two sessions per day from
moderate to vigorous intensity based on target heart rate
including warm up and cool down period to avoid
injuries. Exercise began with 55% of target heart rate
and then progressed to 65% by 2nd week and progressed
to 70% by 3rd week and 75 % by 4th week and finally
85% by 5th week. Group B (control group) were
suggested to do their as usual routine activities. Heart
Rate was periodically noted. Post test scores were
recorded after 12 weeks of intervention. Experimental
group received exercise as per ACSM’s guidelines;
exercise prescription was made to the subjects of
experimental group. Exercise prescription comprises of
mode, frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise.
There are many techniques in skipping rope in which
basic jump or easy jump technique was used for
experimental group. In this technique, jump with both
feet slightly apart over the rope and it was performed
individually.
EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION:
According to American College of Sports Medicine
recommended aerobic training intensity of 55% or 60%
to 90% of one’s maximum heart rate (HR max) or 40%
or 50% to 85% of VO2 max.
EXERCISE MODE:
Aerobic Exercise: EXERCISE FREQUENCY:
Frequency of this exercise program is 6 days per week
and 2 sessions in a day. EXERCISE DURATION:
Cardiovascular conditioning with endurance exercise
periods as brief has 5 to 10 minute per day.
EXERCISE INTENSITY:
As discussed earlier, exercise intensity will be prescribed
according to target heart rate. 55% of target heart rate for
the first week, 65% by second week, 70% by third week,
75% by fourth week and finally 85% of target heart rate
so on.
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS:
Cardiovascular endurance was measured for all the
subjects in both groups and recorded by VO2 max by 3
minutes Mc Arld step test. This assessment was taken
individually. In this test, subject has to step up and step

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 12(10): October 2019
4833
down over the step bench for the duration of 3 minutes
and their heart rate noted and calculated using the
following formula. FORMULA: VO2 max (ml/kg/min) =
111.33–(0.42×heart rate (bpm))
Vo2 max BY McArld STEP TEST:
The Harvard Step Test was first developed by Brouha,
Graybriel and Heath in 1943 (Brouha, Graybiel & Heath,
1943, found in Maud & Foster, 1995). It is a simple 3
minute step test that uses a step bench that is 40cm high
for males. It can be used for both men and women of
various ages and relies on the linear relationship between
heart rate and VO2 to predict maxVO2.
PHYSICAL FITNESS:
Physical fitness was assessed for all the participants in
both groups. Physical fitness was assessed by FMS
(Functional Movement Screen) which comprises of 7
different movement patterns and each movement pattern
score ranges from 0 to 3. The attained score was
recorded.
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREENING:
The movement patterns are designed to provide
observable performance of basic locomotor,
manipulative and stabilizing movements by placing an
individual in extreme positions where weaknesses and
imbalances become noticeable if appropriate mobility
and motor control is not utilized. Once these deficiencies
have been identified through the FMS Screen, a program
of corrective exercises is then developed with the goal of
preventing musculoskeletal injuries(17). The FMS
consists of seven movement patterns which require
mobility and stability.
The seven following movement patterns were scored
from 0-3 points, with the sum creating a score ranging
from 0-21 points. (18, 19) The Functional Movement
Screen is made up of seven different movements 1) Deep
squat 2) Hurdle step 3) Inline lunge 4) Shoulder mobility
5) Active Straight leg raise 6) Trunk Stability Push Up 7)
Rotary Stability
DATA ANALYSIS:
The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using
both descriptive and inferential statistics. All the
parameters were assessed using statistical package for
social science (SPSS) version 17.0. Paired t-test was
adopted to find the statistical difference within the
groups & Independent t-test (Student t-Test) was
adopted to find the statistical difference between the
groups.
Table–1 Comparison of Vo2 Max Between Group–A and Group-B in Pre and Post Test
Vo2max
#GROUP - A
#GROUP - B
t-test
MEAN
S.D
MEAN
S.D
df
SIGNIFICANCE
PRE
43.28
5.88
43.84
4.75
-.331
38
0.742*
POST
43.71
5.86
62.95
3.03
-13.042
38
0.000**
Table – 2 Comparison of fms Between Group-A and Group - B in Pre And Post Test
FMS
#GROUP - A
#GROUP - B
t - TEST
MEAN
S.D
MEAN
S.D
df
SIGNIFICANCE
PRE
11.80
1.321
11.95
1.190
-.377
38
0.708*
POST
12.00
0.973
15.40
0.820
-11.943
38
0.000**
*Comparison of Vo2 Max Between Group – A and Group - B In Pre
And Post Test
*Comparison of Fms Between Group – A and Group - B In Pre
And Post Test

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RESULT:
On comparing the pre and post test values within
experimental group, it shows statistically significant
improvement on VO2 max where p value is (p≤0.001) And
also in pre and post test values of experimental group, it
reveals significant difference on Functional Movement
Screen where p value is (p≤0.0001)* whereas in control
group, there is no difference or improvement on
analyzing pre and post test values of mean.
DISCUSSION:
The present study gives a clear picture that experimental
group showed better results and it was observed that
there is a significant difference in the physical fitness by
functional movement screen and cardiovascular fitness
by vo2max (queens college step test).
Our study supports the findings of Mahboobeh Sohrabi
in 2015 on 9 to 10 years old female to improve their
physical fitness up to 23.88%. This study also confirms
the findings of Chen et al in 2010 related to the positive
impact of jump-roping on the balance of children with
slight mental disorders(20).The study done by
Dharmendra singh in 2015 proved that skipping rope
exercises improved the leg strength and agility among
girls. In this study, there was a better performance in
experimental group as compared to control group due to
the progressive training program for the duration of eight
weeks. It was concluded that regular conditioning or
training of optimum intensity brings specific changes in
various parameters like cardiovascular system, muscular
system and body composition(21).
Another study done by Fatemeh Fallah in 2014 showed
the effect of jump rope training on static balance in male
and female students with intellectual impairment. The
results of this study showed that one can suggest these
exercises in order to improve the (static) balance.
However, the researchers believe that the jump rope
workout, have specific advantage, since these exercises
are of the dynamic activities, which causes vigor in the
people, while strengthening the pivotal muscles. John A.
Baker in 2013 compared skipping rope exercise with
jogging and finally concluded that 10 minutes of
skipping rope exercise is more beneficial than 30
minutes of jogging where both interventions were used
to improve cardiovascular efficiency(22). When power
improves, strength should also increase. Jump-rope
exercises may cause muscle protein degradation, as a
result of increased strikes and resistance. However, this
process also causes a potential increase of muscle size
and power. With the increase in power, when speed stays
still, the strength also improves.
It should be noted that jump-roping is a jumping exercise
and it is highly similar to the Plyometric Exercises.
Similar to the Plyometric exercises, jump-roping also
have two levels of extrovert contraction and rapid
introvert contraction. During the extrovert contraction,
when the Quadriceps and twin muscles are stretched, the
elastic components are also stretched. Thus, part of the
energy is stored in the form of elastic potential energy.
During the introvert contraction, this energy releases and
results in the increase of power and the speed of
movement. An increase in the mentioned factors also
causes the improvement of strength. Additionally, the
nervous coordination that occurs as a result of power
exercises, such as Plyometric and jump-roping (the
stretching reflex of muscle spindles), results in the
increase of power(23,24). This study showed a significant
improvement in physical fitness and the cardiovascular
fitness among collegiate males those who performed
skipping rope exercise and thus has a potential to
minimize long term lifestyle diseases.
CONCLUSION:
By the obtained result from this experimental study, it is
concluded that the skipping rope exercise has a better
improvement on cardiovascular fitness as well as
physical fitness which is proved. Skipping rope training
is really a good exercise for those people who want to
maintain their fitness level and also it needs only lesser
space to perform this exercise and affordable to everyone
in this society. Hence, skipping rope training is a good
choice for those who’re having a sedentary lifestyle.
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