An Ancient Boxing Exercise Improves Physical Functions, Balance, and Quality of Life in Healthy Elderly Persons

It has been shown that traditional dances can be effective in improving physical functions in the elderly persons. Unlike other traditional dance exercises, the ancient Thai boxing exercise may be suitable for elderly persons in other ethnicities who are interested in boxing. This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of the exercise on physical functions in elderly subjects. Healthy elderly subjects were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the ancient Thai boxing group. The control group received education about the exercise and a home program of daily practice. The ancient Thai boxing group performed the modified ancient Thai boxing exercise for 12 weeks. There were six outcomes in this study which were recorded at baseline and at the end of study (week 12) including a six-minute walk test (6MWT), five times sit to stand test (FTSST), flexibility by trunk flexometer, time up and go test (TUGT), and Berg balance scale (BBS), as well as a test to determine quality of life (QOL). All outcomes were compared to the baseline, as well as between groups. There were 56 subjects enrolled in the study, 28 in the control group, and 28 in the ancient Thai boxing group, with mean ages of 68.6 and 65.9 years, respectively. The majority of subjects in both groups were women (96.4% and 89.3%). After 12 weeks of study, significant differences were found in terms of all seven outcomes between the two groups. For example, the 6MWT in the control group was 415.8 vs 480.3 m in the ancient boxing group. In conclusion, the 12-week ancient boxing exercise significantly improved physical functions, balance, and QOL in the elderly.