The Physiological, Physical, and Biomechanical Demands of Walking Football: Implications for Exercise Prescription and Future Research in Older Adults

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 (TM)], 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 similar to 157% from presession (1.24 +/- 0.4 mmol/L) to postsession (3.19 +/- 1.7 mmol/L; p <= .0005). PlayerLoad (TM) values of 353 +/- 67 arbitrary units were observed, as well as similar to 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.