Author(s): OTSUKI, T., NISHIKI, M., Institution: RYUTSU KEIZAI UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1177

INTRODUCTION:
Walking rugby is an inclusive multifactorial sport derived from rugby football and can be enjoyed by older adults because running and body contact, including tackles and scrums, are prohibited. This study aimed to investigate exercise intensity, enjoyment, psychological effects, and potential risks associated with walking rugby in older adults.
METHODS:
Twenty-one recreationally active older adults with no previous experience of rugby or walking rugby participated in 3-min walking rugby games (excluding additional time) on Day 1 (substitution allowed) and Day 2 (no substitution), following the recommended rules of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) with minor modifications.
RESULTS:
Heart rate (HR; wrist pulse rate) during the games on Days 1 and 2 was 63±9% and 75±10% (means±SDs) of age-predicted maximal HR, respectively. Physical activity levels measured using a triaxial accelerometer (1) were 3.0±0.6 and 3.8±0.6 METs, respectively. Ratings of perceived exertion (Borg’s 6–20 scale) were 12.1±1.3 on Day 1 and 12.8±1.8 on Day 2. Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores (2) were high on both days (87±8% and 86±14%, respectively). Feelings of vitality, arousal, and pleasure (3) improved after the games compared with before the games on both days. Two participants experienced a fall on each day; however, no injuries were reported.
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that walking rugby may be a feasible and enjoyable health-promoting physical activity for older adults.

(Acknowledgments)
This research was supported in part by a grant from Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), University of Tsukuba. We thank JRFU for their assistance

(References)
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