Walking Football for Men and Women 60+: A 12-Week Non-Controlled Intervention Affects Health Parameters.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the physiological and cardiometabolic effects of a 12-week walking football program in physically inactive older adults.
Results Summary
The study found significant improvements in grip strength, walking/turning speed (shorter Timed Up and Go test time), reduced waist circumference, increased HDL-cholesterol, and decreased HbA1c levels after the intervention.
Population
Physically inactive older adults (mean age 74.0 ± 5.7 years, 11 men and 22 women).
Effective Dosage
2 × 20-minute sessions per week.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 weeks of walking football (played 2×20 min) | increase | grip strength | physically inactive older adults | 32.7 ± 7.8 kg vs. 30.7 ± 7.7 kg | was significantly higher | #1 |
12 weeks of walking football (played 2×20 min) | decrease | walking/turning speed (Timed Up and Go test) | physically inactive older adults | 6.07 ± 1.0 s vs. 6.87 ± 1.0 s | was faster making the time to complete significant shorter | #2 |
12 weeks of walking football (played 2×20 min) | decrease | waist circumference | physically inactive older adults | 91.8 ± 13.3 cm vs. 93.9 ± 13.9 cm | was lower | #3 |
12 weeks of walking football (played 2×20 min) | increase | HDL-cholesterol | physically inactive older adults | 2.19 ± 1.36 mmol/L vs. 1.98 ± 0.89 mmol/L | was significantly higher | #4 |
12 weeks of walking football (played 2×20 min) | decrease | HbA1c | physically inactive older adults | 39 ± 1.2 mmol/mol vs. 38 ± 5.8 mmol/mol | significantly decreased | #5 |
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 VO2max, 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.