Effects of two modes of exercise on physical fitness and endothelial function in the elderly: exercise with a flexible stick versus Tai Chi.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of exercise with flexible stick training on physical fitness and endothelial function and compare it with Tai Chi training. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty older women volunteered for the present study and were divided into EF group (EF: n=16; 70.3 + 2.5 yr) and TC group (TC: n=14; 69.5 +/- 4.5 yr). Both training groups performed training assigned protocol that consisted of 70% of maximal heart rate, 40 minutes per day, four days per week for 12 weeks. Health related physical fitness and biochemical data were assessed in all participants. Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia (PORH) was used to monitor endothelial function by using a Laser-Doppler fluxmeter. RESULT: The health related physical fitness was significantly higher in the EF group (p < 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and von Willebrand factor, an indicator of free radical damage and endothelial dysfunction, respectively as well as cholesterol level were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the EF group. The peak Laser-Doppler flux (LDF)/baseline LDE and recovery time were significantly improved after 12 weeks of EF training (p < 0.05). This was not observed after 12 weeks of TC training. CONCLUSION: EF, a Thai novel exercise that combined endurance and strength training was a more effective exercise modality than TC for improving physical fitness and endothelial function. It improved reactive oxygen species in the elderly.