Football Intervention Research Articles

The Standard Error/Standard Deviation Mix-Up: Potential Impacts on Meta-Analyses in Sports Medicine

BackgroundA recent review found that 45% of meta-analyses included statistical errors, of which, the most common was the calculation of effect sizes based on standard error (SE) rather than standard deviation (SD) [the SE/SD mix-up].ObjectivesThe first aim of this study was to assess the impact of the SE/SD mix-up on the results of one highly cited meta-analysis. Our second aim was to identify one potential source of the SE/SD mix-up, by assessing how often SE is reported as a measure of sample variability in randomised controlled trials in sports medicine.MethodsWe checked for potential SE/SD mix-ups in a 2015 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials reporting the effects of recreational football interventions on aerobic fitness in adults. We corrected effect sizes affected by SE/SD mix-ups and re-analysed the data according to the original methodology. We compared pooled estimates of effect sizes from our re-analysis of corrected values with those of the original study. To assess how often SE was reported instead of SD as a measure of sample variance, we text mined results of randomised controlled trials from seven sports medicine journals and reported the proportion reporting of SE versus SD.ResultsWe identified potential SE/SD mix-ups in 9/16 effect sizes included in the meta-analysis describing the effects of football-based interventions versus non-exercise control. The published effect size was standardised mean difference (SMD) = 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91, 2.01). After correcting for SE/SD mix-ups, our re-analysis produced a smaller pooled estimate (SMD = 0.54 [95% CI 0.37, 0.71]). The original pooled estimate for trials comparing football versus running interventions was SMD = 0.68 (95% CI 0.06, 1.4). After correcting for SE/SD mix-ups and re-analysis, the effect was no longer statistically significant (SMD = 0.20 [95% CI − 0.10, 0.49)]). We found that 19.3% of randomised controlled trials reported SE rather than SD to describe sample variability. The relative frequency of the practice ranged from 0 to 25% across the seven journals sampled.ConclusionsWe found the SE/SD mix-up had inflated estimates for the effects of football on aerobic fitness. Meta-analysts should be vigilant to avoid miscalculating effect sizes. Authors, reviewers and editors should avoid and discourage (respectively) the practice of reporting SE as a measure of sample variability in sports medicine research.

Validity and sensitivity of field tests' heart-rate recovery assessment in recreational football players.

We aimed at examining the criterion validity and sensitivity of heart-rate recovery (HRRec) in profiling cardiorespiratory fitness in male recreational football players in the untrained and trained status, using endurance field-tests. Thirty-two male untrained subjects (age 40 ± 6 years, VO2max 41.7 ± 5.7 ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 82.7 ± 9.8 kg, stature 173.3 ± 7.4 cm) participated in a 12-week (2‒3 sessions per week) recreational football intervention and were tested pre- and post-intervention (i.e. untrained and trained status). The participants performed three intermittent field tests for aerobic performance assessment, namely Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1) and level 2 (YYIE2) tests, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) test. VO2max was assessed by performing a progressive maximal treadmill test (TT) and maximal HR (HRmax) determined as the maximal value across the testing conditions (i.e., Yo-Yo intermittent tests or TT). HRRec was calculated as the difference between Yo-Yo tests' HRpeak or HRmax and HR at 30 s (HR30), 60 s (HR60) and 120 s (HR120) and considered as beats·min-1 (absolute) and as % of tests' HRpeak or HRmax values. Significant post-intervention improvements (p<0.0001) were shown in VO2max (8.6%) and Yo-Yo tests performance (23-35%). Trivial to small (p>0.05) associations were found between VO2max and HRRec (r = -0.05-0.27, p>0.05) across the Yo-Yo tests, and training status either expressed as percentage of HRpeak or HRmax. The results of this study do not support the use of field-test derived HRRec to track cardiorespiratory fitness and training status in adult male recreational football players.

"Football- It's in Your Blood"-Lived Experiences of Undertaking Recreational Football for Health in Older Adults.

Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults and contributes to age-related decline in function, health, well-being, and quality of life. Recreational football for older adults has shown promise for promoting health benefits. This study explores the lived experiences of older adults engaging in a walking and recreational football intervention and identifies factors that affect behaviours and can encourage change in this population. A purposive sample (n = 14; aged 67 ± 5 years) of the lived experiences of those participating in a recreational football intervention took part in two focus groups. The participants' responses were grouped into three-time reflecting specific points in their lives: what stopped them from playing football, what got them playing, and what is needed for them to continue playing in the future. Within each of these time points in their lives, themes were identified. The key findings and practical recommendations were that football needs to be adapted and local, that the priority to play football changes over time, and that football itself is a fundamentally intrinsic motivator; 'it's in your blood'. The findings can be used to inform future interventions, encourage participation, and advise on the best practices for key stakeholders in the physical activity domain.

The Effects of a Weighted Football Intervention on Ball Velocity of a Standard Football Place-Kick among Elite Gaelic Football Goalkeepers: A Single-Subject Designed Study.

Weighted football place-kicking acutely enhances the ball velocity (BV) of subsequent standard football place-kicks. However, there is a dearth of research examining the long-term effects of such interventions, with less evidence in existence among elite athlete cohorts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the individual effects of a 4 week, eight-session weighted Gaelic football intervention on BV of standard Gaelic football place-kicks among six elite male Gaelic football goalkeepers. This research design was based on a pre-, mid-, post-, and retention-test design. A linear mixed model analysis was employed, with time and participants as fixed effects, and the number of place-kicks per testing session as a random effect. Post hoc tests revealed significant changes in BV for five of the six participants (p < 0.05), with three participants experiencing significant BV increases from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found between post-test and retention-test. The remaining three participants experienced no significant BV differences from pre-test to post-test and retention-test. These findings suggest that a weighted football place-kicking intervention can be a time-efficient means of maintaining and enhancing BV and, thus, kick distance, among elite goalkeepers during pre-season and in-season phases.

The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults.

There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older adults. Using a pre–post case–control design, thirteen males, aged 61–73 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) undertook a twice-weekly, 12-week recreational football for health intervention, and were matched with a control group, comprising thirteen males, aged 62–78 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) who maintained their typical exercise habits during the intervention period. Pre- and postintervention, participants underwent assessment of functional fitness, using the Rikli and Jones functional fitness battery as well as an assessment of body fatness, via bioelectrical impedance analysis and dominant handgrip strength using handgrip dynamometry. Results from a series of 2 (pre–post) X 2 (intervention vs. control) repeated-measures ANOVAs indicate significant pre–post X group interactions for the 30-second chair stand (p = 0.038, Pƞ2 = 0.168), 8-foot timed up and go (p = 0.001, Pƞ2 = 0.577) and 6 min walk test (p = 0.036, Pƞ2 = 0.171). In all cases, performance improved significantly after the intervention for the football intervention group but not the control group. There were no significant differences in the 30 s arm curl test or dominant handgrip strength (p > 0.05). There was a non-significant trend (p = 0.07, Pƞ2 = 0.127) towards a pre–post X group interaction for body fatness, showing a decreased percent body fat for the intervention group over the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of recreational football as a physical activity intervention in older adults to improve functional movement.

O2-8 Effects of a 12-week walking football intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors in an older adult population: a randomised controlled trial in the UK

Abstract Background Interventions promoting physical activity and improved wellbeing delivered through professional football clubs have previously produced favourable changes in health in adult males (Hunt et al., 2014). Walking football has proven a popular variant suitable for older adults and studies have reported positive changes in health outcomes (Arnold et al., 2015; Reddy et al., 2017; McEwan et al., 2019). However, studies exploring outcomes following walking football interventions when compared to a control group in an older adult population are scarce. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the effects of a 12-week walking football intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life in an older adult population. Methods Following ethical approval, participants (n = 23, one female; 68 ± 8 years old), were recruited through the Drink Wise, Age Well scheme; a local Lottery funded organisation and were invited to take part in a 12-week walking football intervention or control group. Intervention group participants (n = 17), were invited to one 60-minute walking football session per week consisting of a warm-up and small-scale competitive games, whereas control group participants (n = 6), continued with their normal habitual lifestyle. Outcomes measured were weight, resting blood pressure, non-fasting blood lipids, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (week-0), midpoint (week-7) and post-intervention (week-13). Sessional RPE was recorded after each session. Preliminary data were analysed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Results Adherence to the 12-week intervention was 83%. Mean (± SD) attendance for sessions was 68 ± 26% (range; 0-92%). Mean rating of perceived exertion was 6.3 ± 1 (range; 2-8). Analysis revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.19) in the intervention group. However, despite favourable changes in both groups for each variable, no significant difference between groups occurred between baseline, week-7 and post-intervention. Conclusion The study outlines the potential for individuals enrolled in a walking football scheme to engage in weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA as well as maintaining and improving a myriad of health outcomes. Engagement in other pre-existing health promotion schemes, such as walking football at other local organisations may have influenced outcome measures.

Recreational Football and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Recreational football is an intense, versatile form of exercise with multiple high- and odd-impact actions. Recreational football is therefore hypothesized to be suitable for bone modeling and bone health. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of recreational football on bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone turnover markers (BTM). Systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Google Scholar were searched prior to September 2021. A manual database search was also performed using the following key terms, either singly or in combination: recreational football/soccer, street football/soccer, recreational small-sided games, effect, influence, impact, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density, bone turnover marker, bone health, osteogenesis, CTX, osteocalcin, P1NP. Randomised and matched controlled trials with participants allocated to a recreational football group or any other type of training intervention or passive control group were included. The primary outcome measures were total BMD, lower limb BMD, total BMC, lower limb BMC, osteocalcin, procollagen type 1N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX). A total of 17 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included. Comprehensive Meta-analysis V.2 software (Biostat, Englewood, New Jersey, USA) was used for the meta-analyses. Agreement between the two reviewers was assessed using RoB2 tool and k statistics for full-text screening and rating of relevance and risk of bias. The k agreement rate between reviewers was k = 0.92. The football interventions included were based on studies having a duration of 12-64weeks with one 5-year follow-up study and with a training frequency of 1-3 sessions/wk. Training sessions were 45-60min sessions of 3v3 - 7v7 small-sided games. The subjects covered an age span from 9 to 73years. Five studies examined recreational football effects in females, nine studies in males and three studies included both sexes. Recreational football training produced a statistically significant effect (mean difference = 0.02g/cm2, 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.03, P = 0.02) on lower limb BMD and negligible effects for total BMD compared to no-exercise controls. The recreational football effects on total and lower limb BMC, when compared to both no-exercise controls and exercise controls, were negligible. A moderate to large significant increase in osteocalcin, P1NP and CTX was observed for recreational football compared to both no-exercise controls and exercise controls. In conclusion, recreational football training regimes lasting 12-64weeks have a large osteogenic impact on bone turnover markers in comparison with no-exercise controls as well as exercise controls, and beneficial effects on lower limb BMD compared to no-exercise controls. Short and medium duration recreational football interventions have negligible effects on whole-body BMD and BMC (total and lower limb), with magnitudes similar to those of other exercise modes.

Onset of Weight Gain and Health Concerns for Men: Findings from the TAP Programme

With shown reticence by men to engage with dietary interventions for weight loss, investigations that provide detail on men’s perceptions for the causes of weight gain and subsequent concerns over health and image are important. Such discoveries have potential to make a valuable contribution to male gendered programme design aimed at tackling weight gain and promoting good health. Connecting to men to health using their hobbies and interests, this study deployed semi-structured interviews of eight male participants (age > 35 years) enrolled on The Alpha Programme (TAP). TAP is a 12-week football and weight management intervention delivered in local community venues. Results captured men’s lived experiences and feelings of being overweight, their attempts at dietary modification, health and causes of weight gain. Results signify externalized attribution for weight gain, entrenched habitual intake practices, despondency related to weight stigmatization, self-objectification and low self-worth. Moreover, this study outlines the processes for capturing this information using a male friendly approach and setting. Outcomes have potential for shaping bespoke men’s weight management and health improvement interventions in the future.

Implementation facilitation of the "11 for Health in Denmark": A case study in a Danish 5th grade class.

The “11 for Health in Denmark” concept aims to enhance 10–12‐year‐old schoolchildren's physical activity levels and health knowledge through an 11‐week football intervention and has been shown to induce positive effects in numerous areas. However, little is known about the implementation facilitation of this concept in schools. This case study therefore aims to gain a deeper understanding of the implementation facilitation of “11 for Health” in a Danish 5th grade class comprising 22 schoolchildren (12 boys and 10 girls, M age 11.86±) and one teacher. Data were derived from multiple school situations using photographs and videos, observations, and informal interviews. Five themes were identified: (1) environmental and organizational factors impacting on the implementation; (2) familiarization with the concept for the teacher and schoolchildren; (3) previous clique formation; (4) the central role of the teacher; and (5) the importance of how praise partners are allocated. We found high adherence to the “11 for Health” concept, in which the teacher played a key role by applying an autonomy‐supportive style of teaching and using the praise partner concept in a suitable manner. A clique of football‐playing boys was a resource, as their praising of classmates encouraged adherence. However, familiarization with the “11 for Health” concept was a challenge and the clique's competitive nature occasionally built barriers to other schoolchildren without football experience, potentially leading to a more controlled form of motivation. Based on the results, we encourage teachers to apply autonomy‐supportive teaching when applying the “11 for Health” concept.

Investigating the effect of walking football on the mental and social wellbeing of men

ABSTRACT A weekly walking football intervention was delivered for men identified by mental health services with a mental health condition. Following familiarization, an interviewer-led questionnaire captured demographic data. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with (I) male attendees using an adapted version of Hargreaves and Pringle and (II) the walking football programme lead. Interviews explored facilitators for engagement, benefits and key implementation considerations. Nine men attended of which seven participated in this research. Participants were white British, aged 25–44 years and living within 10 miles of the venue. Interviews identified the effect on social and mental health benefits including social support, connectedness and responsibility to fellow attendees of presenting each week. Distraction, achievement and confidence from playing football, as well as the development of skills were also identified as benefits. The intensity with which walking football was played helped facilitate inclusivity along with a stable local venue that helped accommodate different ability levels.

The Effects of Football Practice on Nutritional Status and Body Composition in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dietary patterns, exercise, sport, and physical activity have been shown to improve body composition in children. This systematic review with meta-analysis analyzed the effects of practicing football on body composition (fat mass, lean body mass, and bone mineral content) in children. An initial search in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus was carried out in April 2021 to identify relevant articles. Inclusion criteria required children up to 12 years of age with a minimum football intervention duration of 10 weeks. Methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Between the 1803 articles originally founded, only 14 articles were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1643 subjects between the 14 studies were identified. The review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used Review Manager and Full Meta-Analysis software. The results between the control and experimental groups showed significantly better lean body mass and fat mass values in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Football practice was positively associated with increases in lean body mass (mean difference of 1.55; 95% CI, 0.96, 2.15), decreases in fat mass (mean difference of −0.81; 95% CI, −1.49, −0.13), and increases in whole body bone mineral content (mean difference of 117.68; 95% CI, 83.69, 151.67). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that football positively affects body composition in children. However, further research is needed to confirm the results for bone mineral content.

Female partner experiences of prostate cancer patients\u2019 engagement with a community-based football intervention: a qualitative study

BackgroundProstate cancer is often labelled a couple’s disease wherein the partner plays an important role in the man’s illness management and related health promotion activities. The aim of this study was to explore partner experiences of prostate cancer patients’ engagement with a community-based football program.MethodsEight audio-visual recorded semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 39 female partners of men with prostate cancer who participated in a community-based football program as part of the nationwide FC Prostate Community Trial (NCT02430792). Data was managed with the software program Nvivo 11 and analysed inductively to derive thematic findings.ResultsThe four thematic findings were: 1) ‘Hope of a new beginning’ which included stories of hope that football would mitigate the negative effects of men’s prostate cancer treatment [s]; 2) ‘My new partner’ was characterized by attributing connections between physical activity and elevated mood as a by-product of men’s involvement in the program; 3) ‘Football first’ included assertions of the couples mutual commitment to the football program; and 4) ‘Invisible needs’ contrasted insecurity, and unforeseen challenges for partners feeling somewhat neglected. Overall, the results confirm the need for cohesion and flexibility amongst couple-dyads to ensure partners and men with prostate cancer benefit from their involvement in football programs.ConclusionsThis study indicates that partners of prostate cancer survivors’ engaging with community-based football align to idealized gender relations, roles and identities. In many instances, these gendered dimensions aided positive dyadic coping and long-term exercise adherence.

Effect of Football on Fatigue of Patients with Breast Cancer Treated with Nano-Chemotherapy

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and uncontrollable subjective and persistent fatigue feelings in patients after breast cancer surgery, which seriously affects the rehabilitation effect and quality of life of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of football intervention on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in patients with breast cancer after nano-chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the exercise program that can make patients actively carry out rehabilitation exercise and achieve good rehabilitation effect, so as to provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the study of cancer fatigue and quality of life of patients after breast cancer surgery. In this study, a quasi-experimental study method was used to conveniently select 60 breast cancer outpatients with tumor-related fatigue symptoms in a tertiary hospital in Liaoning Province. According to the convenience group, they were divided into a control group and an intervention group, 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine hospital nursing, while the intervention group received football intervention for 6 months on the basis of routine hospital nursing. The intervention measures include explaining the related knowledge of cancer-related fatigue, helping patients develop football projects, guiding patients to record football sports diaries, checking patients’ football sports diary records at the beginning of each chemotherapy cycle, and discussing football sports feelings with patients. After six months of intervention, the researchers assessed cancer-related fatigue symptoms and quality of life. Football can improve the fatigue, physiological, psychological, and psychological states of breast cancer patients after nano-chemotherapy; reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression; improve sleep; and ultimately improve the quality of life.

Estimation of maximal heart rate in recreational football: a field study.

To examine the accuracy of practical indirect methods (i.e., recreational football match and estimation equations) in assessing individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty-two untrained male participants engaged in a recreational football intervention (age 39.3 ± 5.8years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 81.9 ± 10.8kg, height 173.2 ± 6.4cm) were tested for HRmax using a multiple approach, at baseline and post-intervention (i.e., in the untrained and trained status, respectively). Observed HRmax was plotted against peak match HR (Match-HRpeak) and HRmax estimated from prediction equations (EstHRmax) at both time-points. In the untrained status, only the 211 - 0.64 × Age and 226 - Age equations showed non-significant (medium-to-small) differences with observed HRmax. The differences between observed HRmax and Match-HRpeak were large (P < 0.0001). At post-intervention, the observed HRmax (Post-HRmax) was significantly and largely lower than at baseline. The prediction equations under consideration provided EstHRmax values that were lower than Post-HRmax, with small-to-large differences (P > 0.05). The exception was for the 226 - Age and 211 - 0.64 × Age equations, with values largely higher than Post-HRmax. This study suggests caution when considering EstHRmax and Match-HRpeak in recreational football interventions to track HRmax. The accuracy of EstHRmax may vary according to training status, suggesting the need for different approaches and equations across training interventions.

Submaximal field testing validity for aerobic fitness assessment in recreational football.

Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants' (n=66; age 39.3±5.8years, VO2max 41.2±6.2mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , body mass 81.9±10.8kg, height 173.2±6.4cm) heart rate after 2minutes (HR2min ) during the level 1 (YYIE1HR2min ) and 2 (YYIE2HR2min ) versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1HR2min ) was plotted against individual VO2max values. Thirty-two participants performed all the tests after a 12-week recreational football intervention for test responsiveness. Associations between VO2max and YYIE1HR2min were large to small (P=.0001). Large to trivial associations were found between YYIE2HR2min , YYIR1HR2min , and VO2max (P<.01). Maximal Yo-Yo performances were large, significant, and inversely related to HR2min (-0.68 to -0.49, P<.0001). Pre- to post-intervention ICC values were good for YYIE1HR2min and YYIE2HR2min , and excellent for YYIR1HR2min . Post-intervention associations between HR2min and Yo-Yo maximal performances were large to very large (-0.55 to -0.72; P<.002, n=32). Training-induced changes in VO2max moderately correlated with YYIR1HR2min (-0.48; P=.007; n=32). HR2min lower than 89%, 98%, and 91% HRmax for YYIE1HR2min , YYIE2HR2min , and YYIR1HR2min , respectively, may be considered as signs of good to excellent VO2max levels. Since in the YYIE1HR2min , the participants attained 84% HRmax and test specificity increased for HR2min values <89%, this test may be the preferred choice when repeated assessment of aerobic fitness, using submaximal intermittent Yo-Yo tests, is considered in recreational football.

Developing a theory-driven framework for a football intervention for men with severe, moderate or enduring mental health problems: a participatory realist synthesis

Background: Physical activity interventions are an important adjunct therapy for people with severe to moderate and/or enduring mental health problems. Football is particularly popular for men in this group. Several interventions have emerged over the past decade and there is a need to clearly articulate how they are intended to work, for whom and in what circumstances.Aims: To develop a theory-driven framework for a football intervention for men with severe, moderate and/or enduring mental health problems using a participatory realist approach.Methods: A participatory literature review on playing football as a means of promoting mental health recovery with a realist synthesis. It included the accounts and input of 12 mental health service users and the contributions of other stakeholders including football coaches and occupational therapists.Results: Fourteen papers were included in the review. Analysis revealed that interventional mechanisms were social connectedness, identity security, normalising experiences and positive affectivity. These supported mental health recovery. Outcomes were moderated by social stigma and several interventional factors such as over-competitiveness.Conclusions: The context mechanism outcome configuration framework for these interventions map well onto social models of mental health recovery and provide insight into how they work. This now requires testing.

Qualitative evaluation of a football intervention for people with mental health problems in the north east of London

In recent years, football has seen increasing popularity as an adjunct intervention for people with mental health problems, aiming at improving their physical and emotional health as well as fostering their social inclusion and integration. Previous quantitative and qualitative studies have shown that football interventions can contribute to emotional and physical recovery as well as offer a context for people to connect to others and foster social skills.In the present study, qualitative interviews were conducted with thirty participants and five stakeholders involved in the London based football intervention, Coping Through Football (CTF). These aimed to capture their experiences of the intervention, as well as to gain an understanding of challenges and difficulties that participants have encountered there.Themes evidenced the strong impact of relational experiences which led to increased confidence and social skills. Both physical exercise and lifestyle advice also had a positive impact on physical well-being and lifestyle choices. Different paths to recovery were reported: participants benefitted from the intervention in very individual ways that depended on personal needs and motivation. The answers to the interview questions given by the participants as well as stakeholders highlighted problems surrounding recruitment and inclusion of women, on pitch conflicts and different levels of fitness and level of play. Overall, the findings underline the potential of football interventions as an adjunct treatment form that can lead to increased physical, emotional and social well-being of people with mental health problems as well as challenges that need to be addressed in the planning and implementation of such interventions.

"FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe in the Faroe Islands: Effects on health markers and physical fitness in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren.

We evaluated effects of the school-based intervention "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe on health and fitness profile in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren. 392 fifth-grade children were randomized into a control group (CG: n=100, 11.1±0.3years, 149.0±6.7cm, 42.4±10.2kg) and an intervention group (IG: n=292, 11.1±0.3years, 150.6±6.9cm, 44.2±9.4kg). IG underwent an 11-week intervention in which 2 weekly sessions of 45minutes were included in the school curriculum focusing on health aspects, football skills, and 3v3 small-sided games. CG continued with their regular activities. Body composition, blood pressure, and resting heart rate, as well as Yo-Yo intermittent recovery children's test (YYIR1C) performance, horizontal jumping ability and postural balance were assessed pre and post intervention. Systolic blood pressure decreased more (-2.8±9.9 vs 2.9±8.4mmHg, P<.05) in IG than in CG. Lean body mass (1.0±1.7 vs 0.7±1.6kg), postural balance (0.3±3.9 vs -1.2±5.9seconds) and horizontal jump performance (5 ± 9 vs -5 ± 10 cm) increased more (P<.05) in IG than in CG. YYIR1C performance improved in CG (17%, 625±423 to 730±565m) and IG (18%, 689±412 vs 813±391m), but without between-group differences. A within-group decrease from 23.1±8.4 to 22.5±8.3% (P<.05) was observed in body fat percentage in IG only. In conclusion, the "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe program had beneficial effects on SBP, body composition, jump performance and postural balance in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren, supporting the notion that school-based football interventions can facilitate health of children in a small-scale society and serve as an early step in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Impact of Flag Football Intervention on Fitness Outcomes among 9-11 Years Old Chinese Children

Impact of Flag Football Intervention on Fitness Outcomes among 9-11 Years Old Chinese Children

Evaluation of the Coping Through Football Project: Physical Activity and Psychosocial Outcomes

Background: Football is increasingly used as an adjunct intervention for people with mental problems, intended to improve their mental, physical and social health. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate psychosocial outcomes and physical activity in participants of “Coping Through Football” (CTF), a London-based football intervention for people who receive secondary mental health care. Methods: In a one group pre-post study design, participants completed self-report measures on physical activity and mental well-being at baseline (i.e. when joining the intervention), and at 6 months and 12 months thereafter. Perceived quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF which assess domains such as physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships and environment. The Rosenberg Self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem in the participants. Self-reported physical activity (vigorous activity, moderate activity, walking and sitting) was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: For the 6 months follow up, data was available for 72 participants; at 12 month follow up data was available for 32 participants. Levels of vigorous activity doubled between baseline (102.98 min/week) and the short term follow up (196.85 min/week) as well as between baseline (117.26 min/week) and the one year follow up (248.23 min/week). For moderate activity, we find similar results with an improvement from 78.13 min/week at baseline to 149 min/week at the short term follow up and an increase from 87.74 min/week at baseline to 209.61 min/week. Increases on psychosocial measures were more modest, reaching significance at only the 6 month time point. There were no statistically significant changes with regard to the time spent sitting or walking at either the 6 or the 12 month follow up. Conclusion: While the impact on psychosocial measures was only moderate, the increase in physical activity in participants encourages the use of adjunct football interventions for people with mental health problems as a means to increase physical activity levels.