Evaluation of Rope Jumping and Strength Training in Children with Low Vision

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of rope jumping and strengthening training on muscular and aerobic fitness in children with low vision.
METHODS: Nineteen children with low vision aged 10–14 years were included in the study. The children were randomly divided into two groups: The training group with 9 children (47.3%) and the control group with 10 children (52.6%). Sit-up test, modified push-up test, and one-mile run/walk test were used for the evaluation. Training group received rope jumping and strengthening training. The training was conducted in 45-min sessions, twice a week, for 8 weeks. The control group did not participate in any exercise program.
RESULTS: At the end of 8 weeks, the training group showed a significant improvement in the sit-up test (p<0.001) and one-mile run/walk test (p=0.017), but there was no significant difference in the modified push-up test (p=0.299). In the control group, there was no significant difference in the sit-up test (p=0.168), modified push-up test (p=0.864), and one-mile run/walk test (p=0.467). When the post-training values between groups were compared, there was a difference in favor training group for sit-up test (p=0.039) and the one-mile run/walk test (p=0.044).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Exercise training consisted of jumping and strengthening exercises, significantly improved muscular strength and aerobic capacity in children with low vision.

Keywords: Aerobic capacity, child, exercise training, low vision, muscular strength