Rope skipping increases bone mineral density at calcanei of pubertal girls in Hong Kong: A quasi-experimental investigation.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Non-randomized quasi-experimental prospective study
PubMed 29220384 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0189085
What was done
A quasi-experimental study evaluated the effect of regular rope skipping on bone mineral density (BMD) and cardiovascular fitness in 176 pubertal girls in Hong Kong (baseline age: 12.23 ± 1.80 years). Forearm and calcaneal BMD, as well as cardiovascular fitness, were measured twice over two academic years (mean follow-up interval: 10.3 months). Analyses used multilevel modeling adjusting for participant height and self-reported physical activity.
What was found
Girls who engaged in weekly rope skipping had significantly higher calcaneal bone mineral density compared to non-participants (B = 0.023, p < .01). No significant differences were observed for forearm bone density or cardiovascular fitness. Rates of change over time across both bone sites and cardiovascular fitness were not significantly different between groups.
Why it matters
Rope skipping offers an accessible, weight-bearing jumping activity that may support localized bone mineral accrual at the heel during puberty.
Limits
The study was quasi-experimental and non-randomized, relying on self-reported physical activity. It did not capture detailed dose-response data, observed no significant differences in longitudinal rates of change between groups, and was restricted to a single female cohort in Hong Kong.
Cited by
- supports Jumping rope increases bone mineral density.