The efficiency of Ram Thai with Nine Square dance on physical performance and cognitive functions: a model for elderly school

Abstract

Age-related declines in health-related physical fitness and cognitive function can be mitigated by a multi-movement exercise program. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of Ram Thai with nine square dances on physical performance and cognitive functions in the elderly. Participants were randomly assigned into an experimental or control group. The Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B, Thai version) were chosen from screened volunteers and randomly assigned into 2 groups; Ram Thai with nine square dances (RTND:33) and brisk walking exercise (BWE:34) aged 65.3±2.4 years old, body mass index (BMI) 25.5±11.9 kg/m2. The physical performance parameters assessed were as follows: Back-scratch test (BST), Chair sit and reach test (CSRT), Chair stand test (CST), 30-second arm curl test (ACT), 6-minute walk test (6-WT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were conducted respectively. Our results showed the physiological revealed a reduction in body fat percentage, while significant increase in VO2max test scores observed in both groups (p≤.05). Additionally, there was an improved lower limb strength, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in scores for the CST, 6-WT, and TUG compared to pretest values (p≤.05). In terms of BST performance, the RTND group showed significantly better results compared to the BWE group (p≤.001). Moreover, we discovered that significantly superior results indicate increased variability in MoCA-B scores (24.11≈26.37) among elderly participants in the RTND group (p≤.001). The data indicates that RTND effectively enhances physiological aspects, physical performance control, and overall cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Keywords: physical performance, cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, elderly