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

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 (IPAQS) 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.