EFFECTS OF ROPE LENGTHS ON JUMP CYCLE DURING SKIPPING

Abstract

This study determined the effects of different jump-rope lengths on jump cycles while skipping rope. Twelve college students performed the basic jump using three ropes of differing lengths (1.30, 1.39, and 1.48 times their height; short, middle, and long rope, respectively). Cycle time, contact time, and take off time were measured using a switch mat, and coefficient variations (CVs) during 50 consecutive skips were calculated. Cycle time rapidly increased along with take off time when exceeding the middle length of rope (P < 0.05). Also, significant correlations were observed between take off time and its CV for short and middle rope conditions (both P c 0.05). Thus, results suggested that the long rope could lead to longer take off time (higher jump), and stable jumping would be achieved by higher jumping when using the middle or short rope.