Physical performance in recently aged adults after 6 weeks traditional Thai dance: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Exercise has been shown to be effective in cardiovascular endurance in the elderly. We studied the effect of Thai dancing on physical performance of Thai elderly.


METHODS
This was an open-labeled, randomized intervention study. The Thai dancing group exercised for 40 minutes three times a week for 6 weeks. Physical performance ability was the primary outcome, including a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), five-times sit-to-stand (FTSST), and a sit-and-reach test measured before and after 6 weeks of intervention.


RESULTS
There were 42 subjects enrolled in the study, and 38 female subjects completed (20 in Thai dance group, 18 controls), with an average age of 65.8 ± 5.1 years. The Thai dance group had significantly better physical performance in all measurements at the end of the study. The 6MWT was longer (416.7 ± 58.7 versus 345.7 ± 55.1 m; P = 0.011), FTSST was quicker (10.2 ± 1.5 versus 14.4 ± 3.3 seconds; P < 0.001), and flexibility was higher (14.9 ± 3.5 versus 11.1 ± 5.7 cm; P = 0.002) in the Thai dance group than the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Thai dance can improve physical performance in recently aged (elderly) female adults.
School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Taweesak
T
Janyacharoen
Maneepun
M
Laophosri
Jaturat
J
Kanpittaya
Paradee
P
Auvichayapat
Kittisak
K
Sawanyawisuth
D000368:Aged; D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013785:Thailand
Thai dancing; exercise; recently aged (elderly) adults