The effect of 5 years of team sport on elderly males' health and social capital—An interdisciplinary follow‐up study

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Floorball training induces positive effects on health among untrained older adults. However, the effect of long‐term participation (>2 years) in floorball training among elderly males has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 5 years of floorball training on risk factors for lifestyle diseases, fitness, physical function, and social capital of elderly males and compare to a control group that continued their usual lifestyle. Methods Twenty‐nine recreationally active elderly men aged 75.1 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD; range: 69–81) years with a height, body mass, and body mass index of 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 79.8 ± 10.9 kg, and 25.8 ± 4.1 kg/m 2 , respectively, volunteered to take part in follow‐up investigations about 5 years after participating in a study on the effect of 12 weeks of floorball or petanque training. At the end of the parental study 15 subjects chose to participate in floorball training (floorball group [FG]) whereas 14 subjects (control group [CG]), resumed their usual lifestyle. FG participated in small‐sided floorball training 1 h ~1.75 times/week for 5 years in a local sports club. Results From baseline to 5 years, FG had reduced fat percentage, android, and visceral fat, increased total and leg bone mineral density, leg extension maximal voluntary contraction, maximal walk distance in 6 min and 30 s sit‐to‐stand repetitions, decreased time for 5 sit‐to‐stand repetitions and Timed Up and Go ( p < 0.05). These changes were all different from less favorable changes in CG ( p < 0.05). In FG there was a decline in maximum oxygen uptake which was smaller than the decline in CG ( p < 0.05). In addition, FG had developed social capital through the 5 years strengthening their social connectedness and group cohesion. Conclusion In conclusion, both from a sociological and physiological perspective, small‐sided floorball training can be considered a health‐promoting activity for older men.