Int J Environ Res Public Health
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Unit, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, 02650 Espoo, Finland.
Published: October 2022
There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older adults. Using a pre-post case-control design, thirteen males, aged 61-73 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) undertook a twice-weekly, 12-week recreational football for health intervention, and were matched with a control group, comprising thirteen males, aged 62-78 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) who maintained their typical exercise habits during the intervention period. Pre- and postintervention, participants underwent assessment of functional fitness, using the Rikli and Jones functional fitness battery as well as an assessment of body fatness, via bioelectrical impedance analysis and dominant handgrip strength using handgrip dynamometry. Results from a series of 2 (pre-post) X 2 (intervention vs. control) repeated-measures ANOVAs indicate significant pre-post X group interactions for the 30-second chair stand ( = 0.038, Pƞ = 0.168), 8-foot timed up and go ( = 0.001, Pƞ = 0.577) and 6 min walk test ( = 0.036, Pƞ = 0.171). In all cases, performance improved significantly after the intervention for the football intervention group but not the control group. There were no significant differences in the 30 s arm curl test or dominant handgrip strength ( > 0.05). There was a non-significant trend ( = 0.07, Pƞ = 0.127) towards a pre-post X group interaction for body fatness, showing a decreased percent body fat for the intervention group over the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of recreational football as a physical activity intervention in older adults to improve functional movement.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602977 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013625 | DOI Listing |
PLoS One
January 2025
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom.
Background: Youth soccer players in the UK transition into the professional game at 16 years of age. Understanding the differences between youth and professional standards can help coaches and clubs to support player development during this transition.
Objectives: To (i) assess the differences in technical and possession statistics between different age groups (U16, U18, U23) and outfield positions (central defender [CD], wide defender [WD], central midfielder [CM], attacking midfielder [AM], wide midfielder [WM], striker [ST]), within an English academy soccer programme, during match-play.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev
January 2025
Cochrane Switzerland, c/o Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany.
Background: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Much of this burden can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours and reducing chronic disease risk factors. Settings-based approaches to address chronic disease risk factors are recommended globally.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScand J Med Sci Sports
January 2025
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
This study investigated the association of menstrual cycle phase and symptoms with objective and subjective sleep measures from professional footballers before and after matches. Twenty-three non-hormonal contraceptive-using professional footballers (from four clubs) were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases (menstruation, mid-late follicular, luteal) were determined using calendar counting and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnandiol-3-glucuronide).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Open
January 2025
Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Introduction: Repetitive head impacts (RHI) in sports may represent a risk factor for long-term cognitive and neurological sequelae. Recent studies have identified an association between playing football at the top level and an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease. However, these were conducted on men, and there is a knowledge gap regarding these risks in female athletes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSensors (Basel)
December 2024
Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, CreativeLab Research Community, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of sports science by providing unprecedented insights and tools that enhance training, performance, and health management. This work examines how AI is advancing the role of sports scientists, particularly in team sports environments, by improving training load management, sports performance, and player well-being. It explores key dimensions such as load optimization, injury prevention and return-to-play, sports performance, talent identification and scouting, off-training behavior, sleep quality, and menstrual cycle management.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!
© LitMetric 2025. All rights reserved.