Abstract
Older-adults (seniors), are at risk from a range of chronic health conditions. Consequently, they are considered a priority group in UK policy promoting healthy lifestyles through physical-activity (PA). PURPOSE: To investigate the initial pre-adoption profiles, participant benefits and key implementation characteristics of the ‘Extra Time’ (ET) Programme. METHODS: ET is a national programme of PA-led health improvement for local older-adults (aged 55+) delivered in/by 16 professional soccer clubs. Sessions involved weekly moderate-intensity PA sessions including indoor bowls, cricket, new age curling, walking and soccer. Self-reports assessed demographics, PA, fan-status and benefits of engagement. Interviews with participants identified key implementation characteristics of interventions. RESULTS: N=486 participants engaged ET, 95%, (n=462) were White British and 59.7%, (n=290) were female. Females (Mdn = 70-74 years) were significantly older compared to males (Mdn = 65-69 years), U = 21778, z = -4.445, p <.001, r = -0.20. Most participants (65.4%/n=318) had not participated in previous programmes held by soccer clubs. The majority (80.2%, n=390) reported locating ET in a professional soccer club made it ‘more appealing’ because of the sense of community it created. This predominated other factors, including being a fan (24.3%, n=118) and available facilities (16.9%, n=82). The benefits, reported by the participants, included ‘making friends/enjoyment’ (77.2%, n=375), ‘feeling healthier’ (55.2%, n=249) and ‘feeling happier with their life’ (35.6%, n=173). Further, feeling healthy (H [4] = 31.834, p <.001) and fitter (H [4] = 12.538, p < 0.05) as a result of ET was significantly affected by PA participation. Jonckheere’s test revealed a significant trend in the data; as the frequency of PA increased, participants felt healthier (J = 38317, z = 4.196, r = -0.19) and fitter (J = 35932, z = 2.564, r = -0.12). Interviews (n=18) identified key implementation characteristics including using soccer venues, PA options, social opportunities and the flexibility of the programmes. CONCLUSION: Results support the potential of the ET Programme for recruiting older-adults into PA-led health improvement interventions delivered in English professional soccer clubs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
