Healthy Beat Acupunch Regimen Improved Physical Fitness of Thai Older Adults in Residential Homes: Quasi-Experimental Two-Group Pre-Post Study.

Background: Older adults often experience declines in physical fitness, which can lead to difficulties with mobility and daily routines. The Healthy Beat Acupunch (HBA) regimen-a novel exercise approach that combines traditional Chinese medicine and exercise-holds promise for enhancing physical fitness in this population. However, its effectiveness in maintaining or improving physical fitness among older adults-particularly within the Thai population-has not yet been examined.

Objectives: To examine the effects of the 6-month HBA regimen on physical fitness of Thai older adults in residential homes.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group pre-post study was conducted with 92 participants from two residential homes, randomly allocated to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in instructor-led HBA sessions lasting 40 min, three times per week for the first 3 months, followed by video-guided HBA regimen for the remaining 3 months. The control group continued their usual daily activities in the residential home. Physical fitness assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Data was analyzed using generalized estimating equations to examine interaction effects between groups and time, as well as within-group changes.

Results: Participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in all physical fitness parameters over time compared to the control group. Additionally, significant improvements were observed within the experimental group in all parameters when compared to baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Discussion: The improvements in all physical fitness parameters are consistent with the principles of meridian theory and the effects of acupoint stimulation. The combination of instructor-led and video-guided sessions helped participants consistently perform the HBA regimen. This two-phase approach aligns with previous studies supporting supervised-to-video transitions and addresses practical challenges, including health care worker shortages. Compared to the control group-which maintained routine activities with limited fitness gains-the HBA regimen demonstrated a more comprehensive and efficient approach for enhancing physical fitness.