Time and Intensity of Physical Activity During an After-School Jump Rope Program

Abstract

Childhood obesity has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past two decades. After-school programs can provide opportunities for increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children, which could potentially decrease the incidence of obesity. After-school jump rope programs may be one ideal setting to help increase physical activity (PA) among children; however, few studies have evaluated these programs. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the amount and intensity of PA students received during an after-school jump rope program. METHODS: Students, ages 8-12 years old, from two elementary schools (n=28) participated in a 12-week after-school jump rope program that met twice a week for 90 minutes each session. Participants practiced individual and group jump rope skills and learned a team routine that they performed at the end of the 12 weeks. Accelerometers were used to assess PA time and intensity and were worn during three session at weeks three, six, and nine. Using the accelerometer counts, intensity cut points were assigned (Freedson et al., 1997). The relationship between PA intensity and gender and minority status was also explored. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the three accelerometer sessions and data was averaged. In the 90-minutes session, participants spent 17.3 minutes (19.2%) in vigorous activity, 28.0 minutes (31.1%) in moderate activity, 8.0 minutes (8.9%) in light activity, and 36.7 (40.8%) in sedentary behavior. Between groups ANOVA indicated that males (n=7) spent less time in sedentary behavior (p<0.05) and more time in vigorous activity (p<0.01) than females (n=21). Minority participants (n=7) spent less time in sedentary activity (p<0.05) and more time in light (p<0.05) and moderate activity (p<0.001) than non-minority participants (n=21). CONCLUSIONS: Participants received 45.3 minutes of MVPA suggesting that after-school jump rope programs may be an effective venue for helping children achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.