Investigating body composition metrics in hypertensive men aged 60-70 through walking football

Introduction: Hypertension is a common health concern among older adults, often associated with adverse changes in body composition. Effective lifestyle interventions targeting this demographic are critical for promoting healthier aging. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a twelve-week walking football program on body composition parameters in hypertensive men aged 60 to 70 years. Methodology: A mixed ANOVA design (2 groups × 4 time points) was employed to assess body composition metrics, including body fat percentage (BFP), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lean body mass (LBM), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Assessments were conducted at baseline, and after the fourth, eighth, and twelfth weeks. Results: the experimental group demonstrated significant reductions in BMI, BFP, WHR, and WHtR, along with a notable increase in LBM compared to the control group. Discussion: The findings support existing evidence that structured physical activity, such as walking football, can positively influence body composition in older adults. This intervention appears particularly effective for hypertensive men. Conclusions: Walking football may be a viable and impactful strategy for improving body composition and supporting healthy aging in hypertensive older men. Future research should explore long-term adherence and broader health outcomes.