Pak Chan

Researchers are evaluating the effects of the Healthy Beat Acupunch (HBA) regimen on physical fitness in older adults living in residential homes in Thailand. This study aims to compare physical fitness measures such as aerobic endurance, lung capacity, flexibility, and strength between groups receiving the HBA intervention and control groups over six months. The HBA regimen is based on Meridian Theory and involves specific body movements and acupoint punching. Participants in the intervention group will engage in the HBA program for 40 minutes per session, three times a week, over six months. This includes an initial three months of instructor-led sessions followed by three months of DVD-led sessions. The control group will continue their usual activities without the HBA program. The regimen includes three phases focusing on activating qi and blood, punching meridians, and relaxing the body and mind. Participants will undergo assessments of physical fitness before starting the regimen, after three months, and after six months to measure changes in aerobic endurance, lung capacity, flexibility, and muscle strength. Researchers will monitor these outcomes to evaluate the regimen's impact compared to baseline and to the control group. The study also includes informed consent procedures and follows safety guidelines for older adults during participation.