Walking Football for Men and Women 60+: A 12-Week Non-Controlled Intervention Affects Health Parameters

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine physiological and cardiometabolic effects of 12 weeks of walking football (played 2 × 20 min) in physically inactive older adults. Thirty-three volunteers completed the study (men n = 11, women n = 22) were enrolled with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.7 years. Baseline tests included blood pressure, waist circumference, body composition, blood samples, balance, estimated VO_2max, mobility, grip strength and vertical jump height. Grip strength was significantly higher at the posttest (32.7 ± 7.8 kg vs. 30.7 ± 7.7 kg (p < .005)), and the walking/turning speed was faster making the time to complete the Timed Up and Go test significant shorter at the posttest (6.07 ± 1.0 s vs. 6.87 ± 1.0 s (p < .001)). Waist circumference was lower at the posttest (91.8 ± 13.3 cm vs. 93.9 ± 13.9 cm (p < .001)). HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher at posttest (2.19 ± 1.36 mmol/L vs. 1.98 ± 0.89 mmol/L (p < .005)). HbA1c significantly decreased posttest (39 ± 1.2 mmol/mol vs. 38 ± 5.8 mmol/mol (p < .028)). Walking football for older adults is associated with positive changes in cardiometabolic and physiological variables.

Keywords: Ageing; exercise; football; team sport.