Thai Cultural Dance with Ruesi Dadton (traditional Thai exercise): The Effects on Physical Health, Cognitive Performance, and Quality of Life in Older Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.6.02Keywords:
cognition, dancing, exercise, integrative medicine, physical functional performance, quality of lifeAbstract
Background. Regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for older adults. However, it must be varied and engaging to sustain their participation. Lampleon Ruesi Dadton (LRD), a form of Thai cultural dance, has been developed as an integrated exercise program specifically tailored for older adults.
Objectives. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of LRD on physical health, cognitive performance, and quality of life (QoL) among eleven older adult women.
Materials and Methods. Participants attended 20-minute LRD dance sessions three times per week for four weeks. The assessment of physical health, cognition, and QoL was conducted. Physical performance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for balance, two dynamometers to measure handgrip strength and back-and-leg strength, and the Sit-and-Reach test to assess flexibility.
Results. Significant improvements in physical health were demonstrated by the TUG test (p = 0.014) and Sit-and-Reach test (p = 0.035). In terms of QoL, notable gains were observed in the social relationship domain (p = 0.008) and overall QoL (p = 0.010).
Conclusions. The present findings indicate that LRD has the potential to improve physical health and QoL among older adults. Overall, Thai cultural dance incorporating Ruesi Dadton represents a feasible and promising strategy for health promotion in this population. Further research, including long-term follow-up and randomized controlled trials, is warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
Downloads
References
Glinskaya, E., Walker, T., & Wanniarachchi, T. (2021). Caring for Thailand’s aging population. https://doi.org/10.1596/35693 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/35693
To, T. L., Doan, T. N., Ho, W. C., & Liao, W. C. (2022). Prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Asian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Healthcare, 10(5), 895. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050895 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10050895
Wang, B., Nong, C., Zhang, J., Deng, L., Li, W., Zhang, X., & Liu, P. (2024). Prevalence and associated body composition factors of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. European Journal of Medical Research, 29(1), 598. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-02185-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-02185-9
Izquierdo, M., de Souto Barreto, P., Arai, H., Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Cadore, E. L., Cesari, M., ... & Singh, M. A. F. (2025). Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR). The Journal of nutrition, health and aging, 29(1), 100401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100401 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100401
Izquierdo, M., Duque, G., & Morley, J. E. (2021). Physical activity guidelines for older people: knowledge gaps and future directions. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 2(6), e380-e383. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00079-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00079-9
Gallardo-Gómez, D., del Pozo-Cruz, J., Pedder, H., Alfonso-Rosa, R. M., Álvarez-Barbosa, F., Noetel, M., ... & del Pozo Cruz, B. (2023). Optimal dose and type of physical activity to improve functional capacity and minimise adverse events in acutely hospitalised older adults: a systematic review with dose-response network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(19), 1272-1278. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106409 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106409
Esmail, A., Vrinceanu, T., Lussier, M., Predovan, D., Berryman, N., Houle, J., ... & Bherer, L. (2020). Effects of Dance/Movement Training vs. Aerobic Exercise Training on cognition, physical fitness and quality of life in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 24(1), 212-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.05.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.05.004
Hwang, P. W. N., & Braun, K. L. (2015). The effectiveness of dance interventions to improve older adults’ health: a systematic literature review. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 21(5), 64-70.
Sooktho, S., Songserm, N., Woradet, S., & Suksatan, W. (2022). A Meta-analysis of the effects of Dance Programs on Physical Performance: Appropriate Health Promotion for healthy older adults. Annals of geriatric medicine and research, 26(3), 196-207. https://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.22.0066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.22.0066
Mishra, S. S., & Shukla, S. (2022). Effect of Indian folk-dance therapy on physical performances and quality of life in elderly. Biomedical Human Kinetics, 14(1), 244-251. https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2022-0030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2022-0030
Sanprakhon, P., Suriyawong, W., Longphasuk, N., Khatichop, N., Arpaichiraratana, C., Wongwiseskul, S., ... & Thaipisuttikul, P. (2025). Effects of traditional Thai folk dance combined with cognitive stimulation program on behavior and cognition among older adults with cognitive decline: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, 12(4), 100066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100066
Noopud, P., Suputtitada, A., Khongprasert, S., & Kanungsukkasem, V. (2019). Effects of Thai traditional dance on balance performance in daily life among older women. Aging clinical and experimental research, 31(7), 961-967. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-018-1040-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-018-1040-8
Khanthong, P., Dechakhamphu, A., & Natason, A. (2022). Effect of Ruesi Dadton on vital capacity, flexibility and range of motion in healthy elderly individuals. Science, Engineering and Health Studies, 22050003-22050003. https://doi.org/10.14456/sehs.2022.8
Sarafadeen, R., Ganiyu, S. O., & Ibrahim, A. A. (2020). Effects of spinal stabilization exercise with real-time ultrasound imaging biofeedback in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a pilot study. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 16(3), 293-299. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2040380.190 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2040380.190
Khanthong, P., Sriyakul, K., Dechakhamphu, A., Krajarng, A., Kamalashiran, C., Jayathavaj, V., & Tungsukruthai, P. (2024). A randomized controlled trial on the effects of traditional Thai mind-body exercise (Ruesi Dadton) on biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 60(4), 604-610. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.24.08015-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.24.08015-8
Chompukum, P., & Wongphaet, P. (2007). Normative data for Trail Making Test–Thai modification. Journal of Thai Rehabilitation Medicine, 17, 26–30.
Mahatnirunkul, S., Tuntipivatanaskul, W., & Pumpisanchai, W. (1998). Comparison of the WHOQOL-100 and the WHOQOL-BREF (26 items). Journal of Mental Health of Thailand, 5(3), 4–15.
Rice, P. E., Thumuluri, D., Barnstaple, R., Fanning, J., Laurita-Spanglet, J., Soriano, C. T., & Hugenschmidt, C. E. (2025). Moving towards a medicine of dance: a scoping review of characteristics of dance interventions targeting older adults and a theoretical framework. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 105(4), 1183-1221. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-230741 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-230741
Mattle, M., Chocano-Bedoya, P. O., Fischbacher, M., Meyer, U., Abderhalden, L. A., Lang, W., ... & Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A. (2020). Association of dance-based mind-motor activities with falls and physical function among healthy older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 3(9), e2017688. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.17688 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.17688
Li, Y., Wang, Z., Li, J., Yang, H., & Fang, Z. (2024). The effects of dance interventions on reducing the risk of falls in older adults: a network meta-analysis. Frontiers in public health, 12,1496692. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1496692 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1496692
Liu, X., Shen, P. L., & Tsai, Y. S. (2021). Dance intervention effects on physical function in healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging clinical and experimental research, 33(2), 253-263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01440-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-019-01440-y
Khanthong, P., Sriyakul, K., Dechakhamphu, A., Krajarng, A., Kamalashiran, C., & Tungsukruthai, P. (2021). Traditional Thai exercise (Ruesi Dadton) for improving motor and cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 17(5), 331-338. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2142542.271 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2142542.271
Douka, S., Zilidou, V. I., Lilou, O., & Manou, V. (2019). Traditional dance improves the physical fitness and well-being of the elderly. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 11, 75. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00075
Predovan, D., Julien, A., Esmail, A., & Bherer, L. (2019). Effects of dancing on cognition in healthy older adults: a systematic review. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 3(2), 161-167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-018-0103-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-018-0103-2
Hewston, P., Kennedy, C. C., Borhan, S., Merom, D., Santaguida, P., Ioannidis, G., ... & Papaioannou, A. (2021). Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and ageing, 50(4), 1084-1092. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa270 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa270
Huang, C. S., Yan, Y. J., Luo, Y. T., Lin, R., & Li, H. (2023). Effects of dance therapy on cognitive and mental health in adults aged 55 years and older with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC geriatrics, 23(1), 695. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04406-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04406-y
Lu, J., Abd Rahman, N. A., Wyon, M., & Shaharudin, S. (2024). The effects of dance interventions on physical function and quality of life among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review. PloS one, 19(4), e0301236. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301236 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301236
Fonseca, I., Rueda, M., & Cabanzo, C. (2025). The effect of dance interventions on well-being dimensions in older adults: a systematic review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, 1594754. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1594754 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1594754
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Pitchanan Thiantongin, Phaksachiphon Khanthong, Siriwan Janjang, Chaiyawat Namboonlue, Savitree Thaotho, Surasak Suksai
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
