Effects of weighted versus standard jump rope training on physical fitness in adolescent female volleyball players: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12-week standard versus weighted jump rope training on physical fitness tests including anaerobic power, speed, agility and flexibility in female adolescent volleyball players. Methods: Twenty-five female volleyball players were recruited to the study. Participants were randomly separated into three study groups; weighted jump rope training (n=8), standard jump rope training (n=9) and control group (n=8). All participants were assessed at baseline and after 12-week training. Physical fitness was measured by using vertical jump test, 30-meter sprint test, hexagonal obstacle test, zigzag test and sit and reach test Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: Comparisons showed that after 12-week training, weighted jump-rope training resulted in higher improvements in anaerobic power (p=0.03) and agility (p=0.003) when compared to control training; and higher improvement in agility when compared to standard jump rope training (p=0.001). In addition, at the end of training, speed and flexibility gains were similar in all groups (p>0.05). Discussion: Weighted jump rope training resulted in higher improvements of anaerobic power and agility in female adolescent volleyball players. The findings of the study provide basic knowledge for developing training protocols for adolescent volleyball players.