Author/Authors :
Carvalho Joana Nunes de نويسنده , Outayanik Boonlerst نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Seabra Andre نويسنده Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure
(CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto,
Portugal , Rosenberg Edwin نويسنده Department of Sociology and Social Work, Appalachian State
University, North Carolina, USA , Krabuanrat Charoen نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Chalermputipong Sakdipat نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Suwankan Suriyan نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Sirisopon Nutthakritta نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Rachrujithong Pornthep نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Kasetsart University,
Bangkok, Thailand , Thanak Warinthorn نويسنده Royal Thai Army Medical Department, Bnagkok,
Thailand , Sangwipark Pongtorn نويسنده Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education,
Ramkhamhaeng, Bnagkok, Thailand
Abstract :
Background Chronological aging is associated with a decrease in
physical activity levels and consequently a decline in physical fitness,
which may contribute to adverse conditions such as cardiovascular
disease, hypertension, obesity and physical impairment. Objectives This
study sought to examine the effects of an 8-week physical activity
intervention program on nutritional status and health-related physical
fitness among Thai older adults. Methods Fifteen healthy elderly
volunteers (aged 60 - 75 years) completed an 8-week physical activity
intervention that comprises a nine matrices exercise (NME) program (5
sessions per week of 30 - 60 minutes). Measurements were taken at
baseline and after 8 weeks, and included height, weight, body mass index
(BMI), blood pressure and health-related physical fitness tests
(6-minute walk, chair sit-and-reach, arm curl, back scratch, chair stand
and 8-ft up and go). Statistical analysis included descriptive
statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results Over an 8-week
intervention study, participants significantly improved their weight (%∆
= -2.5, P < 0.001), BMI (%∆ = -2.5, P < 0.001),
cardiorespiratory fitness (%∆ = +13.9, P = 0.001), arm curl (%∆ = +45.9,
P = 0.001) and leg squat (%∆ = +42.8, P = 0.001) muscular strength,
shoulder (%Δ = +9.8, P = 0.006) and lower back (%∆ = +15.0, P = 0.001)
flexibility and agility and balance (%Δ = -3.9, P = 0.003). Blood
pressure did not change significantly during the study period (P
> 0.05). Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence
that an 8-week NME program represents an effective strategy for
improving nutritional status and health-related physical fitness in
elderly Thai people.
