Physical Effects and Cognitive Function after Exercising “Rue-si-dad-ton” (Exercise Using the Posture of the Hermit Doing Body Contortion): A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Lokachet Tanasugarn*, Pasit Natearpha*, Ronnakorn Kongsakon*, Marshima Chaosaowapa*, Woraphon Choatwongwachira*, Dussadee Seanglaw*, Pattarachai Kiratisin MD, PhD**, Chakrapong Namatra MD***, Varalak Srinonprasert MD****, Akarin Nimmannnit MD*****, Manmas Vannabhum MSc******, Tawee Laohapand MD******, Vilai Kuptniratsaikul MD*******
Affiliation : * 6th Year Medical Students, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand **** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ***** Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ****** Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ******* Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : This study aims to preliminarily evaluate effect on physical properties of shoulder joints and cognitive function
after practicing Rue-si-dad-ton, a Thai traditional exercise using the postures of the hermit doing body contortion which
still lacks systematically conducted evidence-based regarding its benefits.
Material and Method: Thirty-seven participants who have routinely worked on computer at least 3 hours per day were
recruited and randomized into intervention (n = 19) or control group (n = 18). Physical effect on shoulder joints was
evaluated by measuring shoulder range of motion (ROM) and evaluating shoulder function with the American Shoulder &
Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. Cognitive function was determined by Verbal Fluency Test, Trail
Maker B Test, and Digit Span Test. Both study groups were assessed by all tests at the beginning and at the end of study by
blinded assessors. The intervention group performed 3 postures of Rue-si-dad-ton exercise (an hour per day for 4 days by
a well-trained instructor) before the final measurement.
Results : Only left and right shoulder flexion of the intervention group (p-value = 0.006 and 0.010 respectively) showed
significant increment compared with the control group using ANCOVA test with baseline adjusted as covariate. Other
variables, including joint and cognitive function, indicated no significant changes between groups. No complications from
exercise were found during the study.
Conclusion : Rue-si-dad-ton may safely help improve range of joint motion with potential benefit for joint and cognitive
function. Additional extensive studies with adequate number of participants and longer period of exercise are warranted.
Keywords : Range of motion, Rue-si-dad-ton, Exercise, Office worker, Cognition
