Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention Program on Nutritional Status and Health-Related Physical Fitness of Thai Older Adults in Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand

摘要

Aging is frequently associated with a decrease in physical activity levels and consequently a decline in physical fitness, which may contribute to the development of osteoporosis, bone fractures, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment. 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. Thirty five healthy elder volunteers in Bangkok city and metropolitan area (aged 61-78 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 Pair sample t-test. The results found over an 8-week intervention study, participants significantly improved their weight (pre: 57.4±9.2; post: 56.7±9.0, P<0.003), BMI (pre: 22.40±0.5; post: 21.98±0.5, P<0.001,), cardiorespiratory fitness (pre: 447.9±38.1; post: 501.0±47.0, p=0.000), arm curl (pre: 15.8±2.9; post: 22.3± 3.8, p=0.000) and leg squat (pre: 13.4±1.7; post: 19.5±3.6, p=0.000) muscular strength, shoulder (pre: 0.4±7.6; post: 1.9±7.9, p=0.024) and lower back (pre: -0.8±10.5; post: 4.2±9.0, p=0.000) flexibility and agility and balance (pre: 8.2±0.5; post: 7.9±0.6, p= 0.000). Blood pressure did not change significantly during the study period (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated an 8-week NME program represents an effective strategy for improving nutritional status and health-related physical fitness of Thai older adults in Bangkok city and metropolitan area.