Impact of a light volleyball intervention among older Chinese adult women

Modified sports offer a strategic approach to promoting health in older adults. Light volleyball, which uses a larger, lighter ball than traditional volleyball, is more accessible for this population. This study investigated the effects of a 16-week light volleyball program on the functional fitness of older adults in Hong Kong. A total of 275 participants aged 60 years or older were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups: a light volleyball intervention group, a Tai Chi group, and a control group. Functional fitness was assessed at the pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up. Results revealed that the light volleyball group exhibited more significant improvements in lower and upper limb strength, agility, dynamic balance, and aerobic endurance than did the Tai Chi and control groups. This study highlights the effectiveness of light volleyball as a newly emerging, group-based sport physical activity for promoting healthy aging in older adult women. The use of light volleyball in future health promotion initiatives is highly recommended. Copyright © 2025 International Journal of Physical Activity and Health.