The Effect of the Arm Swing on the Heart Rate of Non-Athletes
Seekaow Churproong MD*, Buratin Khampirat PhD*, Paraj Ratanajaipan MEng**, Poollarp Tattathongkom BS**
Affiliation : * Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand ** Rowing Canoeing Association of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Background : The Arm Swing Exercise (ASE) is a style of alternative medicine. The ASE normally follows the pattern of swing
forward 30 degrees and then swing backward 60 degrees for each swing. It is thought that practicing the ASE can improve
musculoskeletal performance.
Objective : The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare the difference in mean number of arm swings, heart rates and
energy expenditures between the groups, 2) To examine the effect of basic characteristics and number of arm swing on heart
rates and energy expenditures in Thai people.
Material and Method: This practice attracted researchers to study the benefits of the ASE in various groups. The ASE pattern
was modified to swing forward 90 degrees and swing backward 60 degrees in this research study. The ASE was performed
in three age groups of Thai people without diseases: 1) 18-25 years old, n = 25 2) 26-35 years old, n = 25 and 3) 36-55 years
old, n = 25 sample of all cases were drawn from volunteers. The instrument utilized was heart rate monitor. Data was
analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regression.
Results : The findings revealed that Thai people’s mean heart rates, number of arm swings and energy expenditures were
significantly different in each group at p-value = 0.05 (F = 5.757, 5.250 and 3.196, p-value = 0.005, 0.007 and 0.47,
respectively) with statistical significance at p-value = 0.05 in each group. The basic characteristics in the population groups
found that body weight, age and number of arm swings affected heart rate (t = 2.575, 2.341 and 2.058, p-value = 0.012, 0.022
and 0.043, respectively).
Conclusion : Although ASE is a light intensity exercise, if done 30 minutes every day, ASE will improve efficacy of the
cardiovascular system.
Keywords : Arm swing exercise, Thai people
