Possibility of stretch-shortening cycle movement training using a jump rope

Although jumping rope has been said to be a typical stretch-shortening cycle movement (SSC) from the dynamic analysis of muscle contraction, there are few research reports that focus on this point. Recently, the function of SSC of the legs with respect to the jumping movement has been evaluated using the rebound jump index (RJ-index). This study aimed to examine the possibility of using rope jumping in SSC training by comparing the RJ-index of the rebound jump (standard value) and the 2 different methods of rope jumping. The subjects included 76 healthy young men. Most subjects were involved in routine sports training 2-3 times per week. They performed the rebound jump (5 consecutive vertical jumps) and both a basic and a double-under jump with the jump rope, according to each participant's individual style (rhythm or timing). The RJ-index was calculated using the ground contact time and the jump height. The reliabilities of the RJ-index in the basic (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.85) and double-under jump (0.92) were high, and the RJ-index of the latter (1.34 ± 0.24) was significantly higher than that of the former (0.60 ± 0.21). In the case of a group with inferior SSC ability, the RJ-index of the rebound jump only showed a significant correlation with the double-under but not with the basic jump. When using the RJ-index (1.97 ± 0.38) of the rebound jump as a criterion, the double-under-using about 70% of the SSC ability-may be effective for reinforcement of SSC ability.