Sensor-Based Assessment of Time-of-Day-Dependent Physiological Responses and Physical Performances during a Walking Football Match in Higher-Weight Men

Abstract

Monitoring key physiological metrics, including heart rate and heart rate variability, has been shown to be of value in exercise science, disease management, and overall health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diurnal variation of physiological responses and physical performances using digital biomarkers as a precise measurement tool during a walking football match (WFM) in higher-weight men. Nineteen males (mean age: 42.53 ± 12.18 years; BMI: 33.31 ± 4.31 kg·m−2) were engaged in a WFM at two different times of the day. Comprehensive evaluations of physiological parameters (e.g., cardiac autonomic function, lactate, glycemia, and oxygen saturation), along with physical performance, were assessed before, during, and after the match. Overall, there was a significant interaction (time of day x WFM) for mean blood pressure (MBP) (p = 0.007) and glycemia (p = 0.039). Glycemia decreased exclusively in the evening after WFM (p = 0.001), while mean blood pressure did not significantly change. Rating of perceived exertion was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning (p = 0.04), while the heart rate recovery after 1 min (HRR60s) of the match was lower in the evening than in the morning (p = 0.048). Overall, walking football practice seems to be safe, whatever the time of day. Furthermore, HRR60, glycemia, and (MBP) values were lower in the evening compared to the morning, suggesting that evening exercise practice could be safer for individuals with higher weight. The utilization of digital biomarkers for monitoring health status during WFM has been shown to be efficient.