The effect of 5 years of team sport on elderly males' health and social capital—An interdisciplinary follow‐up study. Issue 5 (8th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pedersen, Mogens T.; Nørregaard, Line B.; Jensen, Tanja D.; Frederiksen, Amalie S.; Ottesen, Laila; Bangsbo, Jens
• Is Part Of: Health science reports. Volume 5:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-08
• Subjects: floorball -- health -- local sports club -- physical capacity -- social capital; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-8835

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Aims: Floorball training induces positive effects on health among untrained older adults. However, the effect of long‐term participation (>2 years) in floorball training among elderly males has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 5 years of floorball training on risk factors for lifestyle diseases, fitness, physical function, and social capital of elderly males and compare to a control group that continued their usual lifestyle. Methods: Twenty‐nine recreationally active elderly men aged 75.1 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD; range: 69–81) years with a height, body mass, and body mass index of 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 79.8 ± 10.9 kg, and 25.8 ± 4.1 kg/m 2, respectively, volunteered to take part in follow‐up investigations about 5 years after participating in a study on the effect of 12 weeks of floorball or petanque training. At the end of the parental study 15 subjects chose to participate in floorball training (floorball group [FG]) whereas 14 subjects (control group [CG]), resumed their usual lifestyle. FG participated in small‐sided floorball training 1 h ~1.75 times/week for 5 years in a local sports club. Results: From baseline to 5 years, FG had reduced fat percentage, android, and visceral fat, increased total and leg bone mineral density, leg extension maximal voluntary contraction, maximal walk distance in 6 min and 30 s sit‐to‐stand repetitions, decreased time for 5 sit‐to‐stand repetitions and Timed Up and Go ( p < 0.05). These changes were all different from less favorable changes in CG ( p < 0.05). In FG there was a decline in maximum oxygen uptake which was smaller than the decline in CG ( p < 0.05). In addition, FG had developed social capital through the 5 years strengthening their social connectedness and group cohesion. Conclusion: In conclusion, both from a sociological and physiological perspective, small‐sided floorball training can be considered a health‐promoting activity for older men.