Effects of a Tri-Exercise program on physical fitness and quality of life for older adults in Thailand: A single-group pre-post quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Purpose: Among older adults, falls are a major public health concern associated with reduced physical fitness, impaired balance, and decreased quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Tri-Exercise program, integrating Thai Hermit Exercise, Yoga, and Dao De Xinxi, on physical fitness and quality of life for older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 31 older adults in Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand. Participants engaged in a 12-week Tri-Exercise program, performed three times weekly. Outcomes included balance (One Leg Balance test), upper and lower body flexibility (Back Scratch Test and Chair Sit-and-Reach Test), blood pressure, heart rate, knee joint mobility, and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: Significant improvements were observed in most measured outcomes (p < 0.001). Balance, flexibility, and knee flexion increased, while blood pressure and heart rate decreased; knee extension showed no significant change. Quality of life scores also improved significantly following the intervention. Discussion: The observed improvements in balance, flexibility, cardiovascular parameters, and quality of life are consistent with previous research on mind-body and stretching-based exercises in older adults, and may reflect the combined effects of controlled movement, proprioceptive training, and coordinated breathing inherent in the integrated program. However, this study utilized a single-group design without a control group, so these changes cannot be categorically attributed to the intervention. Further, the findings should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and short intervention period. Conclusions: The Tri-Exercise program was associated with improvements in physical fitness and quality of life for older adults. As this was a single-group study without a control group, controlled studies are needed to confirm whether these changes are attributable to the intervention.