The physiological, physical, and biomechanical demands of walking football: Implications for exercise prescription and future research in older adults

Harper, LD, Field, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2600-6182, Corr, LD and Naughton, RJ (2020) The physiological, physical, and biomechanical demands of walking football: Implications for exercise prescription and future research in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 28 (3). pp. 478-488. ISSN 1063-8652

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Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to profile the physiological, physical, and biomechanical responses during walking football. A total of 17 male participants (aged 66 ± 6 years) participated. Heart rate; blood lactate; accelerometer variables (biomechanical load [PlayerLoad.], changes of direction); and rating of perceived exertion were measured. Participants mean percentage of maximum heart rate was 76 ± 6%during the sessions, with rating of perceived exertion across all sessions at 13 ± 2. Blood lactate increased by ∼157% from presession (1.24 ± 0.4 mmol/L) to postsession (3.19 ± 1.7 mmol/L; p ≤ .0005). PlayerLoad. values of 353 ± 67 arbitrary units were observed, as well as ∼100 changes of direction per session. In conclusion, walking football is a moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity. The longitudinal health benefits of walking football remain to be elucidated, particularly on bone health, cardiovascular fitness, and social and mental well-being.