EFFECTS OF WAI KHRU RAM MUAY THAI AND YOGA TRAININGS ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Wai Khru Ram Muay Thai (WT) and yoga (YT) training on physical performance. Twenty six volunteer subjects were divided into three groups: WT (n=8), YT (n=9) and control group (C (n=9), respectively. Both WT and YT groups performed training with intensity 60% of maximum heart rate, 60 minutes/day and 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Body weight, BMI, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), leg and back strength, flexibility ,vital capacity, and hematocrit were determined as mean + standard deviation before and after the 8 weeks of training.  The results showed that body weights of WT, YT, and C groups before trainings were 57.37 + 13.24 kg, 55.26 + 10.15 kg and 47.72 + 7.29 kg, respectively. After trainings, they became 56.29 + 12.09 kg, 53.87 + 9.39 kg and 48.00 + 7.58 kg, respectively. Body weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) in WT and YT groups. While it increased insignificantly after 8 weeks of training in the control group. BMI values also decreased significantly (p<0.05)  in WT and YT groups. BMI in the C group did not change after 8 weeks of training. VO2max of WT, YT, and C groups before trainings were 38.50 + 7.24 ml/min/kg, 35.68 + 6.12 ml/min/kg and 38.62 + 3.60 ml/min/kg, respectively. They became 41.68 + 4.36 ml/min/kg, 40.08 + 5.10 ml/min/kg and 39.60 + 7.23 ml/min/kg, respectively, after trainings. VO₂max in both training groups increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to that of control group. The results showed that Wai Khru Ram Muay Thai can improve physical performance as well as Yoga. Therefore, it can be used as one kind of exercise for having a health promotion.     

                (J. Sports Sci. Technol 2011; 11 (2): 106–132)

Key words: Wai Khru Ram Muay Thai, Yoga, Physical performance, Training