Evaluation of Thai Style Stretching Exercise on "Ruesi Dud Ton" on Physical Health and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Volunteer

Despite the health benefit reputation of Thai stretching exercise "Ruesi dud ton", no scientific evidence is available. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of Thai style stretching exercise on physical health and oxidative stress markers including Malondialdegyde (MDA) level and the activities of main scavenger enzymes including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px). We had determined the effect of 2-month Ruesi dud ton exercise on physical health of healthy volunteer using battery test comprising of zig zag running, hand grip strength, 1 min abdominal curl up, 30 sec. push up and sit and reach tests. In addition, the body composition, BMI, skinfold thickness and the alteration of oxidative stress markers including the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px enzymes and the level of MDA in serum were also evaluated every month throughout the experimental period and at 1 month after the cessation of exercise. Our data showed the enhanced capacity of zig zag running test in male practitioner more than female practitioner. We also found the elevation of scavenger enzymes such as SOD and GSH-Px and the reduction of MDA in female practitioner while the elevation of GSH-Px activity was the only parameter observed in male practitioner. Therefore, our results suggested that Thai style stretching exercise or Ruesi dud ton could enhance agility in male practitioner and improved oxidative stress homeostasis in female practitioner. Thai style stretching exercise can be implemented to the training program of male athletes. Moreover, it can also be implemented to improve oxidative stress in female who exposed to various risks of health disorders related to oxidative stress. However, further researches are still essential.