PERFIL DE PRATICANTES DE WALKING FOOTBALL RECREATIVO E ALTERAÇÕES OBSERVADAS DURANTE UM PROGRAMA COMUNITÁRIO

Abstract

Ageing is associated with physical, cognitive, and social changes that may compromise autonomy and quality of life, making it essential to promote adapted physical activity strategies such as Walking Football. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the functional, anthropometric, and health profile of recreational Walking Football participants and to explore the changes associated with participation in the programme over a fivemonth period. A longitudinal observational study with two assessment time points was conducted involving 111 participants (65 men and 46 women), with a mean age of 69.9 ± 8.4 years. Body composition, functional fitness, health-related quality of life, and enjoyment of physical activity were assessed. Significant differences were observed between men and women in body composition and functional capacity, with men presenting a better initial functional profile. At the second assessment, improvements in body composition were observed in both sexes, as well as in some indicators of functional capacity compared with the first assessment. Enjoyment associated with participation increased significantly only among women, whereas changes observed in quality of life were less consistent. These findings suggest that recreational Walking Football is a feasible communitybased strategy with the potential to promote active ageing, contributing to improvements body composition and selected indicators of functional capacity in older adults.