Effectiveness of Physical and Mental Health Promotion Through Hopscotch Exercise Program for the Older Adults in the Community of Omnoi Subdistrict, Kratumbaen District, Samutsakhon Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design aimed (1) to study the effectiveness of physical and mental health promotion through hopscotch exercise program for the older adults in the community of Omnoi Subdistrict, Kratumbaen District, Samutsakhon Province by comparing the lower extremity muscle strength, balance ability, muscular flexibility, also level of happiness and social competency of the older adults, before and after participation, and (2) to evaluate the older adults’ satisfaction after completing the program. The samples comprised 42 older adults aged 60 years and above. The study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025. When comparing the mean scores before and after participating in the exercise program using the    Paired t-test, the findings demonstrated lower mean scores and significant improvement of the samples’ lower extremity muscle strength (13.99 ± 3.55 and 10.83 ± 3.12), balance ability (11.82 ± 3.45 and 9.98 ± 2.77), muscular flexibility (7.50 ± 3.00 and 6.00 ± 2.70), the level of happiness and social competency (40.15 ± 9.20 and 43.50 ± 7.80), with statistical significant (p < 0.0001). Moreover, after participation, the evaluation using descriptive statistics consisting of means and standard deviation, showed that the samples' satisfaction with the exercise program was at the highest level (43.59 ± 4.68).

          The exercise program demonstrated effectiveness in promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults. It helped improve lower extremity muscle strength, balance ability and muscular flexibility. Exercising with hopscotch enhanced joy. Group exercise also fostered social connection, eased loneliness, and lowered the risk of depression. Public health units are encouraged to expand the program to other communities to broaden its benefits.