Purpose Aging population is on the rise around the world. Strategies to improve quality of life in this population are being implemented. Exercise is one of those strategies that has been proven to be effective as it produces many health benefits. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of Khon exercise on functional fitness in older persons. Design/methodology/approach In total, 44 older people aged 60–65 years were recruited through a senior club in an urban area. They were divided into two groups: the Khon exercise group (performed exercise for 12 weeks, 60 min/day, 3 times/week) and the control group (engaged in routine physical activity). The Senior Fitness Test, which consisted of chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, chair sit and reach, back scratch, 8-ft up and go, and body mass index, was performed before and at 12 weeks after the exercise. Findings After 12 weeks of training, significant differences in chair stand, 2-min step, chair sit and reach, and 8-ft up and go tests were noted between the exercise and control groups. Originality/value These findings showed that Khon exercise has positive effects on lower body strength and flexibility, aerobic endurance and balance. Hence, it is recommended for health promotion among older persons.

Obese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are at risk for developing overt diabetes and cardiovas- cular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to examine the effects of 12 weeks of a functional exercise training (FET) programme in obese individuals with IGT. Sixteen males and females university staff, aged 50.4±1.3 years (43 to 59 yrs) with mean BMI ≥25 kg/m² (WHO Asian Guidelines) and IGT were randomly divided into the functional exercise training (FET) group or the control (CON) group. Both groups underwent the baseline assessments, including an- thropometric measurements, exercise capacity, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and blood chemistry analysis. All testing was repeated at 12 weeks post-intervention. The FET groups engaged in the FET programme, and the CON group carried out normal daily physical activity, including walking. After the intervention, the FET group showed significant changes in exercise capacity, body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting plasma insulin (FPI), 2 hrs glucose, and glucose AUC (p<0.05) while the CON group only exhibited an improvement in HDL-C (p<0.05). The study showed that the FET programme improves exercise capacity and alters cardiometabolic param- eters. It can be an alternative form of exercise for managing obesity and improves glycaemic control in those at risk.

Context Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaf contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds that contribute valuable effects on human well-being. Objective This study investigates the influence of guava leaf extract-menthol toner on thermoregulation, including perspiration, skin temperature, and recovery heart rate. Materials and methods This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the effects of the guava leaf extract-menthol toner and placebo with a 1-week washout period. Sixty-four participants were enrolled. The participants exercised on a treadmill until a 75% heart rate reserve was achieved for 5 min, followed by a 5 min post-exercise rest period. The skin temperature and heart rate were then measured before 5 mL of the testing product was sprayed to specific areas of the body, left it for 30 sec before wiped off. Post-exercise perspiration and skin temperatures were collected by sweat patches and measured by the Skin-thermometer ST500, respectively. A 20 min heart rate monitoring period started 10 min after the exercise and measured every 2 min intervals. Results Use of the toner significantly reduced post-exercise perspiration to approximately half of the baseline and placebo use values ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, relative heart rate changes showed no significant differences among the tests ( p > 0.05). Skin temperature was also unaffected ( p > 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion Guava leaf extract-menthol toner reduced perspiration by astringent effects but did not influence heat dissipation and did not affect cardiovascular mechanism compared to the controls. Additional cleaning with guava leaf extract-menthol toner could offer better hygiene after a workout.