Effect of Yoga Combined Elastic Band Exercise Program on Health - Physical Fitness and Balance in Older Adults

Purpose. The study and compare the effects of yoga combined elastic band training programs on health, - physical fitness, and balance in older adults. Material and method. The sample group consisted of 32 older adults aged 60–69 years in Ban Mek Yai, Nong Mek Subdistrict, Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, Thailand. They were divided into 2 groups, 16 people per group: the exercise group trained with yoga combined elastic band training programs and the control group for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, 40 minutes a day. The tests were conducted pretest and posttest. Data on muscle strength and endurance were collected using the Chair Stand Test and arm curl test, Flexibility was collected using the Chair Sit and Reach test and balance using the single leg stance and time up and go test. Data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and t-test with a statistical significance level of .05. Result. The Physical fitness (Arm Curl Test, Chair Stand Test, Chair Sit and Reach Test) and balance (Time up and Go test and Single Leg Stance Test) statistically had significant differences between the pre- and post-six weeks in the exercise group but the control group was not statistically significant and posttest statistically had significant differences between the control group and the exercise group, but the pretest was not statistically significant. Conclusion. However, after six weeks of combined yoga with elastic band training programs, the order adults had improved muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Consequently, this exercise regimen is considered a healthy alternative for older adults.