Afterschool jump rope program: time and intensity of physical activity

Abstract

Problem Statement:As inactivity and obesity rates increase among youth populations, it is crucial to implement activity programs that provide adequate time and intensity and keep youth interested in the exercise. Jump rope programs for youth combine the vigorous exercise of rope jumping with learning and social components which help students jump for longer periods of time. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the time and intensity of physical activity for youth participating in a jump rope afterschool program. Approach:Fourth and 5th grade students (n=28), average age of 9.2 (1.2) years, participated in an 11-week afterschool program where they learned skills in footwork, rope tricks, partner skills, and a group routine. Accelerometers were used at weeks three, six, and nine, to assess time and intensity of physical activity during the sessions. Results: In the 90-minute session, on average, participants spent 17.3 minutes (19.2%) in vigorous activity, 28.0 minutes (31.2%) in moderate activity, 8.0 minutes (8.9%) in light activity, and 36.7 minutes (40.7%) in sedentary behavior. Boys spent less time in sedentary and more in vigorous activity than girls. Caucasian participants spent more time in sedentary and less time in light, moderate, and vigorous activity than non-Caucasian participants. Conclusions: Jumping rope is an intense activity and programs maintain a high MVPA while students learn skills and routines. Participants in the afterschool jump rope program obtained more MVPA minutes than reported data on traditional afterschool programs.