The efficiency of thai folk performance exercise program on health-physical fitness and balance in older adults

Introduction: As people age, physical fitness and balance decline, which can be prevented by engaging in various forms of movement exercise. Objective: Investigated the efficacy of Thai Folk Performance Exercise Program on Health-Physical Fitness and Balance in Older Adults. Methodology: Thirty volunteers aged 60-75 years participated in an 8-week intervention (3 sessions/week). Each session included warm-up (10 minutes), main exercise incorporating Thai Folk Performance Exercise Program at 55-65% HRmax (30 minutes), and cool-down (10 minutes). Assessments measured body composition, flexibility (back scratch, sit-and-reach test), muscle strength and endurance (30-second chair stand, 30-second arm curl tests), cardiorespiratory endurance (6-minute walk test), and balance (agility course test) were tested both pretest and posttest. We analyzed the data using pair t-test. Results: The findings indicate that posttest, Significant improvements occurred in flexibility: right back scratch (p = .001), left back scratch (p = .008), and sit-and-reach (p = .047). Lower body strength increased significantly (30-second chair sit-to-stand, p = .004). Cardiorespiratory endurance improved (6-minute walk test, p = .022). Balance enhanced markedly (agility course test, p < .001). No significant changes occurred in body composition or upper body strength. Conclusions: The findings indicate that the Thai Folk performance exercise program effectively improved flexibility, lower body strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and balance in older adults. Integrating cultural elements with evidence-based exercise provides a culturally appropriate, engaging approach to healthy aging, offering an innovative alternative to conventional exercise programs.