The Effect of Walking Football on Physical Fitness and Psychosocial Health in Hong Kong Adults Aged 50+: A Mixed-Method Study

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effectiveness of a walking football program on physical fitness, football skills, and psychological outcomes among adults aged 50+ in Hong Kong. METHOD: A total of 521 older adults (40% female) participated in the walking football program. Participants were required to attend an 8-week beginner class upon enrollment, with the option to progress to an advanced class in a subsequent 8-week stage. Three groups were identified: (a) participants who only engaged in the 8-week beginner class (Pre-8B-Post), (b) participants who only engaged in the 8-week advanced class (Pre-8A-Post), and (c) participants who engaged in both the beginner and advanced classes (Pre-8B-8A-Post). Physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test, and football skills were measured using a short passing test. Psychological outcomes, including symptoms of depression, resilience, mindfulness, social networks, exercise self-efficacy, and general health, were evaluated using validated questionnaires. In addition, 11 focus groups (five to six participants each) were conducted using a semistructured interview guide based on the RE-AIM framework to explore participants' qualitative experiences and benefits. RESULTS: Participants in advanced or combined beginner and advanced classes demonstrated greater improvements in visceral fat, arm curl, and the 8-ft up-and-go test compared with participants in beginner-only classes. Combined-class participants also showed significant gains in mindfulness and social networks, whereas single-class participants reported greater improvements in resilience, exercise self-efficacy, and general health. CONCLUSION: Qualitative findings highlighted benefits in physical and mental health, social connections, and physical literacy. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that walking football is an effective, inclusive, and sustainable program for promoting physical, psychological, and social well-being among older adults.