THE EFFECTS OF A NORTHERN ESAN FOLK MUSIC-BASED EXERCISE MODEL ON ENHANCING PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG ELDERLY

Abstract

This research is an experimental study designed to compare the effects of exercising with traditional Esan music on enhancing the physical fitness of the elderly. The experimental group in the study consists of elderly individuals aged between 60 and 70 years. Using a simple random method by drawing, the provinces of Yasothon, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, and Udon Thani were selected, with 30 people from each province, totaling 120 people. Research Objective: 1) To compare the effects of using traditional Esan folk music exercise formats to enhance the physical fitness of the elderly before and after using this format within the group. and 2) Compare the results after using the exercise format combined with northeastern folk music to enhance the physical fitness of the elderly between groups. The data was analyzed by finding the mean and standard deviation. The research findings indicate that 1) The results of using the exercise model combined with traditional Isan music to enhance the physical fitness of elderly individuals in all four experimental groups showed no difference in physical fitness regarding resting pulse rate, blood pressure, and flexibility before and after the 8-week training. However, there were significant statistical differences at the .05 level in body mass index, arm muscle strength, leg muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and balance after the 8-week training. and 2) The results of using the form of exercise combined with Northeastern Thai folk music to enhance the physical fitness of the elderly among the four groups showed no significant statistical difference at the .05 level. Every group was able to develop the physical fitness of the elderly equally, and this model can be effectively applied to other elderly individuals as well.