Effects of 12-Week Jump Rope Training on Cardiovascular Fitness and Motor Coordination in Children

Background: Cardiovascular fitness and motor coordination are fundamental to children’s physical development, yet many school-age children fail to meet recommended activity levels. Jump rope training is a practical, engaging, and developmentally appropriate intervention that may improve both fitness and coordination.
Objective: To examine the effects of a 12-week jump rope training program on cardiovascular fitness and motor coordination in children.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 80 children (ages 8–10 years) assigned to either an intervention group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). The intervention consisted of three 30-minute jump rope sessions per week for 12 weeks, incorporating progressive aerobic and coordination exercises. Cardiovascular fitness was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run. Motor coordination was measured using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). Data was analyzed using ANCOVA.
Results: Children in the jump rope group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness compared to controls (PACER laps: F = 102.3, p < 0.001; VO₂ max: F = 98.7, p < 0.001). Motor coordination also increased significantly (KTK score: F = 83.4, p < 0.001). Control participants showed minimal changes.
Conclusions: A 12-week jump rope training program significantly enhances both cardiovascular fitness and motor coordination in 8–10-year-old children. Jump rope represents a practical, efficient intervention for promoting holistic physical development and supporting healthy activity habits in school-age populations.