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

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.