The effect of the exercise program “Phanang Kantaw Po Oui Mae Oui” on leg and hip muscles strength, exibility and Fall risk of elderly in Nong Tong sub-district, Hang Dong district, Chiang Mai province

Abstract

The objective of this experimental research was to study the effect of the exercise program “Phanang Kantaw Po Oui Mae Oui” on leg and hip muscles strength, flexibility and falls risk of elderly in Nong Tong Sub-district. Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai province. The sample consisted of 55 elderly people aged 60-69 years who were at risk of falls screening by the Time Up and Go method. They were divided into two groups. The 28 subjects of the experimental group were trained with an exercise program. “Phanang Kantaw Po Oui Mae Oui” The 27 subjects in the control group received health education. Before and after 4 and 8 weeks of trials, They were measured on physical performance including muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, and the risk of falls. Data were analyzed by using the Independent-Sample t-test and Paired-Sample t-test. the results found that the experimental group had a statistically significant increase of strength and endurance of leg and hip muscles, flexibility and decreased risk of falls than the control group at .001 and .01 levels. In conclusion, the exercise program “Phanang Kantaw Po Oui Mae Oui” had effects of an increase in the strength of leg and hip muscles, flexibility and reduced the risk of falls in the elderly. Therefore, the exercise programs “Phanang Kantaw Po Oui, Mae Oui “ could be used in other elderly groups to enhance strength and endurance of the leg and hip muscles, flexibity and reduce the risk of falls.