Effects of Jump Rope Lessons on Physical Skills, Inhibitory Control, and Perceived Enjoyment of Elementary Students

Abstract

Purpose: This research examined the effects of a freestyle jump rope unit on students’ jump rope proficiency, agility, balance, inhibitory control, physical activity level, and perceived enjoyment. Method: One hundred and nine third and fourth graders were randomly assigned to the video-led (VID), teacher-led (TEA), or control group. A 30-s jump test, crisscross test, shuttle run, balance test, and Stroop test were conducted before and after the intervention. Physical activity level and perceived enjoyment were also assessed. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed that all groups showed significant improvement on the 30-s jump test, the VID and TEA groups improved on the crisscross test, and the TEA group ran significantly faster on the shuttle run following the intervention. The VID and TEA groups showed significantly greater inhibitory control after the intervention. Students in all groups were less active in the last two lessons compared with previous lessons. Perceived enjoyment was higher after Lesson 2 than Lesson 8. Discussion/Conclusion: This research indicated that implementing a freestyle jump rope unit in PE can elicit various benefits for children aged 8–9 years. Additionally, using a teacher-led instructional method may yield advantages beyond video-based instruction.