Investigation of the Effects of Recreational Football on Some Functional Movement Skills in Older Men

This study aimed to examine the effects of recreational football on functional movement skill (FMST) levels of elderly men. 57 (65.05 ± 2.5) elderly men who participated in the study were randomly divided into the football group (FG, n= 28) and the control group (CG, n= 29). Data were collected with the FHTT scale and investigeted via mixed design ANOVA. The data were analyzed considering the significance level of p<.05. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the deep squatting movement (p>.096), and there was a statistical difference between the times (p<.002). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups, between times and group*time interaction at high stepping, respectively (p<.008, p<.001, p<.035). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups in a single-line move and in group*time interaction, respectively (p<.008, p<.006). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in shoulder mobility (p<.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the times and in the group*time interaction, respectively (p>.98, p>.44). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups, between times and in group*time interaction in active straight leg raising, respectively (p<.004, p<.001, p<.035). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in trunk stability movement (p>.089). There was a statistically significant difference between the times and in the group*time interaction (p<.024). Statistically significant difference was observed between groups and between times in rotational stability movement, respectively (p<.001, p<.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the groups*time interaction (p>.065). Statistically significant differences were observed in FHTT total scores between groups, between times and in the interaction of groups*time, respectively (p<.001, p<.001, p<.001, p<.001). The results show that recreational football is effective on FHTT and is a powerful exercise option in improving mobility, which is important for elderly individuals to maintain their quality of life.