I don't think your citing / invoking Tabata -- as the "inventor" of this workout -- is quite right. The original study, as you say using speedskaters, was very different than doing jumping jacks for 20 seconds or running in place.
It simply uses the same 20/10, repeat eight times math.
All of the work was done cycling on a stationary bike to a VO2max of 170%. True Tabata will and should kick your a.