Effectiveness of Thai Wand Exercise training on healthrelated quality of life in sedentary older adults

Abstract

Background : Older people with physical inactivity and overweight have high risks of cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise is known to improve quality of life (QOL) and obesity leading to a reduction of cardiovascular risks. Therefore, Thai Wand Exercise training is believed to reduce the cardiovascular risks. Consequence is that Thai Wand Exercise is more accessible and suitable for Thai elderly than modern exercise program.

Objective : This study was aimed to examine the effect of Thai Wand Exercise on the improvement of health-related QOL and other cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary older adults.

Setting : Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

Design : A single blind randomized controlled trial

Methods : Sedentary healthy subjects aged 55-70 years old in Khon Kaen were studied. All subjects were randomized into 2 groups: a control group (n = 71) and Thai Wand Exercise group (n = 71). Thai Wand Exercise training consisted of 40 min/day, 3-5 days/week, for 15 weeks. Anthropometry, body composition, body flexibility, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and QOL were measured before and after 15-week period.

Result : Thai Wand Exercise significantly reduced body mass, total fat mass, waist and hip circumferences and increased flexibility, 6MWD, physical health dimension and vitality of mental health dimension of the QOL.

Conclusion : This study shows that Thai Wand Exercise training improved physical health status, vitality and decreased obdominal. Therefore, this easy and low impact exercise program is a good approach to reduce cardiovascular risks in sedentary elderly, to whom the common exercise programs are not applicable.