Pak Chan

Researchers are investigating the effects of the Healthy Beat Acupunch HBA regimen on physical fitness in Thai older adults living in residential homes. This study aims to compare the physical fitness outcomes, including aerobic endurance, lung capacity, flexibility, and strength, between participants following the HBA regimen and those continuing their usual activities. The trial also examines changes in physical fitness over six months within the HBA group itself. Participants in the intervention group will engage in instructor-led HBA exercise sessions lasting 40 minutes, three times per week, for six months. Following this, they will continue with DVD-led HBA sessions for another six months. The control group will maintain their regular daily routines without additional exercise intervention. The HBA regimen involves specific body movements focusing on hand swings and fist strikes on acupoints, divided into three phases activating qi and blood, punching meridians, and relaxing body and mind. During the study, participants will undergo multiple physical fitness assessments before starting the HBA program, after three months, and after six months. These tests will measure aerobic endurance, lung capacity, upper and lower body flexibility, handgrip strength, and upper and lower body strength. Researchers will monitor progress through these evaluations to assess the impact of the HBA regimen on physical fitness. The total participation duration includes at least six months of exercise intervention and follow-up assessments.