Effects of Two Modes of Exercise on Physical Fitness and Endothelial Function in the Elderly: Exercise with a Flexible Stick Versus Tai Chi
Daroonwan Suksom PhD*, Apanchanit Siripatt PhD**, Pattawan Lapo Msc***, Suthiluk Patumraj PhD****
Affiliation : * Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Faculty of Sports Science, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand *** School of Allied Health Science, Naresuan University Phayao, Phayao, Thailand **** Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : Determine the effects of exercise with flexible stick training on physical fitness and endothelial function and
compare it with Tai Chi training.
Material and Method: Thirty older women volunteered for the present study and were divided into EF group (EF: n = 16;
70.3 + 2.5 yr) and TC group (TC: n = 14; 69.5 + 4.5 yr). Both training groups performed training assigned protocol that
consisted of 70% of maximal heart rate, 40 minutes per day, four days per week for 12 weeks. Health related physical fitness
and biochemical data were assessed in all participants. Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia (PORH) was used to monitor
endothelial function by using a Laser-Doppler fluxmeter.
Result: The health related physical fitness was significantly higher in the EF group (p < 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and
von Willebrand factor, an indicator of free radical damage and endothelial dysfunction, respectively as well as cholesterol
level were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the EF group. The peak Laser-Doppler flux (LDF)/baseline LDF, and recovery
time were significantly improved after 12 weeks of EF training (p < 0.05). This was not observed after 12 weeks of TC
training.
Conclusion : EF, a Thai novel exercise that combined endurance and strength training was a more effective exercise modality
than TC for improving physical fitness and endothelial function. It improved reactive oxygen species in the elderly.
Keywords : Exercise with a flexible stick, Tai Chi, Health related physical fitness, Postocclusive reactive hyperemia, Reactive oxygen species
