Physical and psychological demands of walking football in tournaments: Implications for older adults

This study investigated physical and psychological demands, performance, wellness perceptions, enjoyment and injury incidence among Over-50s and Over-60s walking football (WF) players during an international tournament. It involved 54 male players from the Basque, English, French and Italian squads. It collected data over two consecutive days, with each team playing one 40-minute match per day. Internal load was measured via heart rate (HR), lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). External load was measured via minutes played, distance covered, accelerations, decelerations and speed. Game performance (passes, fouls and shots), wellness and injuries were recorded. Both age groups spent 85% of their playing time above 81% of their maximal HR, with elevated post-match lactate concentrations indicating significant exertion (<i>p</i> < 0.05), although RPE remained moderate. The Over-50s covered more distance and exhibited greater acceleration and deceleration rates than the Over-60s (<i>p</i> < 0.05), who showed a shift to slower movements on day two (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The Over-50s had higher pass success but committed more fouls (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while the Over-60s had more running-related fouls (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Both groups reported similar wellness and enjoyment levels, with minimal injuries. This study highlights the physical demands of WF tournaments and suggests that the benefits outweigh the risks for older adults.