การประยุกต์การละเล่นพื้นบ้านที่มีผลต่อสมรรถภาพทางกายและคุณภาพของหลอดเลือดของผู้สูงอายุในเขตพื้นที่อีสานใต้

Orawan  Tongdecharoen; Harnpakorn  Loed–ngoen; Apichai  Thumniyom

doi:10.60027/iarj.2026.e292825

Authors

Orawan Tongdecharoen National Sports University, Sisaket Campus, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6598-4250
Harnpakorn Loed–ngoen National Sports University, Sisaket Campus, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6078-9632
Apichai Thumniyom National Sports University, Sisaket Campus, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8562-1401

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e292825

Keywords:

Applied Traditional Folk Plays Training Program, Physical Fitness, Vascular Quality

Abstract

Background and Objective: Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society, particularly in the lower northeastern region, where many older adults face health challenges related to declining physical fitness and increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a physical fitness training program that integrates traditional folk play from Southern Isan to promote physical fitness and vascular quality in older adults.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 60 older adults aged 60–69 years, divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 participants each. The experimental group participated in an 8-week training program, three sessions per week, 60 minutes per session. The program incorporated traditional folk plays such as Fon Klong Tumm, Kantrum, and Ram Mai Phlong, designed based on the FITT principle and incorporating diverse exercise components. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using standardized tests for physical fitness and vascular quality.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher scores than the control group in all physical fitness components at the .05 level, including arm strength (t = 6.99, p < .001), leg strength (t = 8.04, p < .001), agility and balance (t = 4.15, p < .001), flexibility (t = 6.93, p < .001), and cardiovascular endurance (t = 5.56, p < .001). No significant difference was observed in vascular quality. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant improvements in all physical fitness components over time (p < .05), while vascular quality remained statistically unchanged.

Conclusion: The application of traditional folk play can significantly enhance physical fitness in elderly adults across all components with statistical significance. The experimental group demonstrated superior improvements compared to the control group in arm and leg muscle strength, flexibility, agility, and balance, as well as cardiovascular endurance. Regarding vascular quality, although no statistically significant differences were found, a positive trend of improvement was observed, indicating potential for beneficial long-term effects on the vascular system.

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