Effects of a physical activity intervention program on nutritional status and health-related physical fitness in thai older adults: Pilot study

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 (%∆ = +9.8, P = 0.006) and lower back (%∆ = +15.0, P = 0.001) flexibility and agility and balance (%∆ = -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.