Walking Football como Atividade Recreativa: Os Efeitos na qualidade e funcionalidade na vida dos Praticantes no período de 6 meses

Abstract

This report outlines, within the real-world setting of the Porto Football Association (AF Porto), the activities and learning outcomes of a curricular internship in the Walking Football (WF) project and, in parallel, presents a scientific study on WF effects in adults ≥50 years. During the internship, we integrated organisational and technical processes-planning and delivery of district meetings, on-field guidance/delivery and refereeing, recruitment and affiliation of new teams, and data management-to support territorial implementation and operational quality of WF. The study adopted a quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal design over six months with two assessments (M1/M2) and a final sample of 94 participants (51-87 years). Outcomes included physical function (One-Leg Stance; Six-Minute Walk Test), body composition (bioimpedance), health-related quality of life and perceived health (EQ-5D-5L/EQ-VAS), and enjoyment (PACES-8). We observed significant improvements in balance (median OLS ≈ 18.5→33.4 s) and a mean increase in 6MWT distance (+16.65 m), alongside favourable body recomposition (↓ fat mass ≈ −2.1 p.p.; ↑ muscle mass ≈ +0.63 kg; ↓ BMI and ↓ waist-to-hip ratio), while quality of life and enjoyment remained high. WF appears safe, inclusive, and operationally feasible, contributing to the preservation/optimization of functional capacity and improvements in anthropometric indicators. To enhance effects, we recommend 2-3 weekly sessions, integration of strength blocks, and systematic monitoring of adherence and training load. The internship consolidated competencies in event planning and management, institutional communication and networking, session delivery and refereeing with older adults, physical assessment and data analysis, as well as ethics, safety, and continuous improvement in community settings.