The Impact of Dual-Task Practice on Learning Jump-Rope Skills: Instructions Delivered via Mobile Technology

Background: Engaging in a motor task while multitasking can improve the process of learning that motor skill. Objectives: The aim of the research was to examine the impact of dual-task (DT) practice on learning jump rope skills with instructions delivered via mobile technology. Methods: In this study, N = 16 third-grade girls from Arak city (age mean: 9.5 ± 0.5), unfamiliar with the skill of rope-jumping participated. They were chosen using a convenience sampling method. This semi-experimental research employed a pre-test and post-test design with two experimental groups: DT and single-task (ST). Both groups underwent training for eight consecutive weeks, with two sessions per week. Data was collected using a questionnaire to measure roping quality and a 30-second speed test. The data was analyzed using the paired t-test and ANCOVA at a significant level (P ≤ 0.05), utilizing SPSS software version 26. Results: The results of the paired t-test showed that in both the DT and ST groups, the skill of jump rope increased from pre-test to post-test. Also, after removing the effect of the pre-test, the DT group performance was significantly better than the ST group at the post-test. Conclusions: Hence, it can be inferred that training under cognitive DT conditions can enhance the learning of jump rope skills.