Balance and functional fitness benefits of a Thai boxing dance program among community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling: A randomized controlled study

Objective: The present study aimed at examining the effects of a Thai Boxing dance (TBD) program on balance performances and functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling who have no comorbidities leading to falls. Methods: Seventy-eight participants were randomly equally assigned either to a 4-week TBD program or to a control group receiving a fall prevention booklet. Static and dynamic balance performances, and functional fitness including lower limb muscle strength, body flexibility, and agility were evaluated before and after the intervention, and at 4-month follow-up. Results: After receiving 4-week TBD intervention, participants showed significantly greater improvements in static balance with eyes open, dynamic balance and all functional fitness when compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and these effects except for body flexibility were still maintained at 4-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights TBD as an intervention for improving balance and functional fitness of community-dwelling seniors at risk of falling.