LIFE STYLE, HEALTH STATUS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS OF THAI BOXERS IN CHON BURI PROVINCE AFTER RETIREMENT

Abstract

This descriptive research was conducted to study life style, health status and physical fitness of Thai Boxers in Chon Buri Province after their retirement. Thirteen Boxers was selected, by purposive sampling, from Thai boxer who registered with the Sport Authority of Thailand in Chon Buri Province in 2009. Data collection was done in 3 steps using various research tools as follows: 1.In-depth interview was used for life style studies of the boxers,  2.Physical examination by physician was used to study the boxers  health status 3.Physical fitness test using modified Sports Authority of Thailand Fitness Test. Content analysis was used for qualitative data analysis and descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to analyze quantitative data.

Results showed the followings:    

               1) Life style: Considering at each category of 7 life styles namely: nutrition, welfare 10 people (79.925%), well-being 9 people (69.23%) and exercise 8 people (61.54%) should be improve and social  10 people (79.92%) nutrition 8 people (61.53%) economic 7 people (53.85%) and stress management 7 people (53.85%) life style was at the average level respectively.

              2) Health status: A congenital disease was found respectively as follow; Cardiac arrhythmia 9 people (69.23%) Dyslipidemia 8 people (61.54%) and Diabetes 7 people (53.85%).

              3) Physical fitness: It was found that also comparing with the standard norm of Thai population respectively that body mass index of the boxers 8 people (61.54%) was overweight level. Sit and reach test was at the very low average level 11 people (84.61%)  Abdominal curls was at the below average level 5 people (38.46%)  Push up was at the average level 5 people (38.46%) and three-minute step test was at the average, below average and low average level 4 people (30.46%).

In conclusion, Life style, health status and physical fitness of Thai boxers after their retirement.

Life style wave similar to general person such as Health status whereas Physical fitness whereas sit and were reach test and  abdominal curls  wave low lower than the average level . The study recommended the Sports Authority of Thailand to give more appropriate welfare and health promotion for boxers and involved personnel be considered at the policy making level and the implementation level for improving the quality of life to professional boxers to be move appropriate.

(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2013;13(2): 79-92 )