UPSI Digital Repository (UDRep)
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UPSI Digital Repository (UDRep)
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| Abstract : Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun |
| As the average life expectancy of populations across the world increases, there is a
growing challenge to maintain the health of older adults into older age. Older adults are at
greater risk of endothelial dysfunction, reduction in functional fitness and mental ill-health
issues such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Research has suggested that low physical
activity (PA) among older age populations contributes to an increase in oxidative stress and
inflammation, which contribute to perpetuate further endothelial dysfunction, and growing
mental ill-health. Low PA coupled to the natural process of sarcopenia are factors in an older
adults’ decreased functional fitness, which limits their ability to do things independently. This
creates a declining spiral in ageing leading to isolation, disease and eventually death.
Therefore, encouraging older adults to increase their PA and adhere to an exercise programme
is crucial in offsetting the effects of ageing. However, not all modes of PA are perceived as
suitable for an older age population. This thesis presents two studies investigating the
potential of Tai Chi and Zumba Gold® (i.e., Zumba® for older adults) to offset some of the
effects of ageing on functional fitness, accumulation of oxidative stress and inflammation
with age, and their role in endothelial function, and mental ill-health. In the acute Tai Chi
study, 60 minutes of Tai Chi was able to produce a transient increase in plasma markers of
inflammation (IL-6 and IL-10), and oxidative stress (MDA in old and 8-isoprostane in young)
measured using the non-invasive technique; flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Following 12
weeks of exercise training, participants in both the Tai Chi and Zumba Gold® groups showed
participants. Both age groups also had an improvement in endothelium dependent dilation, as
As the average life expectancy of populations across the world increases, there is a
an improvement in blood pressure, FMD, leg strength and endurance compared to baseline.
Physical and mental fatigue, as well as feelings of loneliness were improved in the Tai Chi
group, while sleep quality, and perceptions of mental and physical health were improved in
the Zumba Gold® group. Both groups also were found to have relatively high autonomous
motivation for exercise and high self-efficacy to overcome exercise barriers. However,
autonomous motivation and self-efficacy were not associated with changes in physiological or
psychological outcome measures. In sum, the data presented in this thesis provide information
that both Tai Chi and Zumba Gold are suitable exercise modes for older adults, which can
improve markers of both physical and psychological health.
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