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 2nd week and progressed to 70% by 3¬rd 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.