DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY IN WAT SING SUB-DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, CHAI NAT PROVINCE, USING THE MUAY THAI EXERCISE THERAPY PROGRAM

Abstract

This research article aimed: 1. To compare the physical fitness of the elderly before and after implementing a Muay Thai exercise therapy program, and 2. To study the quality of life of the elderly after implementing the program. The samples, obtained by purposive sampling, comprised 30 volunteers from Wat Sing Sub-District Municipality in 2023. The research lasted 12 weeks. The research instruments were 1. Muay Thai exercise therapy program developed from Lop Buri Muay Thai to enhance health by Khru Chaiyamongkhon Rienprayoon, 2. Physical fitness assessment form from the Department of Physical Education and 3. An interview form on quality of life. Quantitative data were analyzed using a ready-made standardized program, and qualitative data were analyzed inductively. The statistics used were frequency and percentage.

Findings revealed that 1. The comparison of physical fitness of the elderly before and after exercising implementing Muay Thai therapy program revealed that, overall, most of them became stronger. When considering each aspect, by overall, the results after the implementation of the program were as follows: 1. Their body composition: some of the elderly had lost their obesity; 2. Their muscle strength and endurance: most of them had increased their muscle strength and endurance; 3. Their body balance: most of them had had better body balance; 4. Their flexibility: most of them had increased flexibility; and 5. Their cardiovascular endurance: most of the elderly had increased cardiovascular endurance. 2. The study of quality of life revealed that most of the elderly who participated in the program showed an increase in their quality of life, physically, mentally, socially and environmentally.