Accelerometry-measured physical activity in amateur footballers. Is it enough to obtain health benefits?

Abstract

Amateur football is played by millions of individuals worldwide, but it has been scarcely researched (almost no studies have targeted this sport). There seems to be a need to fill this gap, because it has an impact in these individuals' health status. The aim of our research was to uncover amateur football players' physical and psychological traits to understand the impact of this sport in their health (physical, mental, and social well-being). Two-hundred footballers (17-40 years) from four regions in Spain (north, central, southwest, southeast), enrolled in 16 different football teams participated. They completed a questionnaire to assess their motives for sport participation, their intention to continue playing football, and their exercise addiction. To objectively measure their physical activity levels, accelerometers were used during practice sessions. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained from coaches prior to and after every practice session and players at the end of every practice. Results showed a mean 140.1 moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/minutes/week. Players' RPE scores were similar in the "fairly light" range (6-20 scale) at pre (11.38 ± 1.64) and post training (11.83 ± 1.39), and it was not different between players and coaches (11.50 ± 1.52). Enjoyment was the highest-ranked motive to practice amateur football (6.34 ± 0.67; 1-7 range), followed by fitness (5.68 ± 0.97; 1-7 range), social (4.80 ± 0.85; 1-7 range), and appearance (4.04 ± 1.21; 1-7 range). Players had some symptoms of exercise addiction (21.09 ± 4.53; 1-30 range) and their intentions to continue playing were very high (4.31 ± 1.08; 1-5 range). Moreover, enjoyment was the strongest predictor of these intentions (R2 = 0.260). In conclusion, a weekly amateur football practice almost allows players to meet international MVPA recommendations for health benefits. Enjoyment was their strongest motive to practice, and the players showed some symptoms of exercise addiction. These two variables were the strongest predictors of the participants' intention to continue playing amateur football. This sport could be considered adequate to help adults maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.