The Development of Physical Activity Model to Enhance Physical Fitness of the Elderly with Dementia in Udon Thani Province

Sukdee N, Sumnuan P, Yapapha S, Prasantree P, Kaewma J, Tongterm T. The Development of Physical Activity Model to Enhance Physical Fitness of the Elderly with Dementia in Udon Thani Province. JEPonline 2023;26(4) : 104-116. The purpose of this study was to examine the development and efficiency of a physical activity model to enhance the physical fitness in the elderly with dementia in Udon Thani province, Thailand. A purposive sampling method included 50 people who were 60 to 74 years of age. The research instruments were the physical activity model to enhance the physical fitness of the elderly with dementia, a questionnaire, a structured interview form, a senior fitness test, a Thai mini-mental state examination, and the physical activity readiness questionnaire. The physical activity model was applied to the Experimental Group for 8 weeks, with 3 weekly sessions of 60 min each. They were tested before the intervention, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA and paired sample f-tests were used to compare physical fitness at pre-test, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks, resulting in a 95% confidence interval. The results showed that the physical activity model developed comprised concepts and theories, objectives (9 activities), physical fitness evaluation with an Index of Item Objective Congruence (IOC) of 0.96, and the improved physical fitness of the Experimental Group after 4 and 8 weeks compared to before. Statistical significance was set at the .05 level. This model can encourage the elderly with dementia to perform regular physical activity to result in better physical performance and to delay the deterioration of various systems in the body. Key Words: Elderly, Dementia, Physical Activity Model, Physical Fitness