Effect of a Skating Unit on Fitness in Fifth-Grade Students

Authors

  • Eric J. Lange Tulsa Community College
  • Cathy D. Lirgg University of Arkansas
  • Dean R. Gorman University of Arkansas
  • Maryann Mitts Missouri State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2021-V78-I4-10471

Keywords:

skating unit, roller skating, inline skating, cardiovascular fitness, static balance, explosive power, agility

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of a skating unit on cardiovascular fitness, eyes-closed static balance, explosive power, and agility in fifth graders. During a 6-week skating unit (12 lessons), 71students (Mage = 10.34 years, range: 10–12 years) participated during regularly scheduled physical education classes. Three classes were involved, one serving as the control group and the other two as experimental groups (roller skating and in-line skating). The control group had no access to roller or in-line skates during class time, rather the curriculum consisted of soccer, dance, and softball. The experimental groups participated in a specifically designed skating curriculum adapted with permission from Skatetime and Skate in School. Results showed that the roller skating group had longer static balance times than the in-line skating group. Even though other factors reported nonsignificance, difference scores illustrated gains after intervention, suggesting that a skating unit could induce improvements. Further research examining significance between roller skating and in-line skating is warranted.

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Published

2021-07-22

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Section

Articles