The Effects of 25 Minutes STAXercise On Flexibility and Agility/Balance Tests In Elderly Men

Abstract

This study is aimed to investigate the effect of 25 minutes of continuous active stretching – based exercise (STAxercise) on the flexibility and agility / balance of a group of elderly men. An experimental research design was used. Participants consisted of 20 sedentary males aged 60 to 64 years, who participated in this study having different weight and height. All participants took part in the “Healthy Generation Program” held in Petaling Jaya in 2016. They were engaged three times per week for 24 weeks of STAxercise interventions. All participants completed the tests (i.e. flexibility & agility / dynamic balance) before and after the intervention. The results showed that the participants had increased in inches in terms of flexibility and reduced in time agility - dynamic balance after 24 weeks of intervention. The present study recommends STAxercise as another approach for elderly people to practice at home. Future research needs to investigate the effectiveness of STAxercise with different modes of exercises other than the effects on psychological states of the participants.