EFFECT OF THAI DANCING EXERCISE ON STATIC BALANCE IN AGING

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the aerobic exercise of Thai dancing on balance in the elderly. Twenty-five women aged over 60 years participated in this study. Data were collected over a 9 week period at 4, 8, and 9 weeks after exercise training, which consisted of moderate intensity exercise 30 minutes at a time and 3 times per week. The times that the individual took to perform the one leg standing test with eyes open and eyes closed were measured. The results showed that the time of the standing on one leg test with eyes open significantly increased (p<0.05) after 8 and 9 weeks’ exercise training. However, the time of the standing on one leg test with eyes closed showed no significant difference (p>0.05) after 9 weeks’ exercise training. In addition, the results also showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) on increasing balance between 8 and 9 weeks of aerobic exercise. In conclusion, the effect of the aerobic exercise of Thai dancing for 8 weeks could improve static balance in the elderly.
(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2014;14(1): 167 -175)
KEYWORDS: Balance, Aerobic exercise, Thai dancing