Recruitment open for men's walking basketball research project

Walking Basketball is a modified version of basketball and is specifically designed for adults aged 65 and older. There’s no age limit - if you can walk, you can play Walking Basketball!

The Walking Basketball research project will run for 12 weeks, and the schedule will be finalised once players are recruited. Research will be conducted by Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Healthy Ageing for Independence team to determine the benefits to health, whether Walking Basketball is safe, feasible, and enjoyable for older men, and whether it should continue when the research has been completed.

MLHD have been running exercise classes for more than 20 years in many towns across the MLHD region including Tai Chi and Aqua Exercise. These classes are affordable and attract a lot of participants every week, but most participants are women.

Health Promotion Officer and researcher Adelle Kennedy said discussions with men suggest they are looking for men only exercise options, and an activity that is competitive and a bit more energetic.

“A search for suitable activities identified Walking Basketball as an option,” Adelle said.

“We hope that at the end of the pilot, Walking Basketball is introduced as a permanent activity in the 3 towns and is successfully introduced in other communities across the MLHD region.”

Health Promotion Coordinator and researcher Natalie McDermott said exercise classes help people achieve and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, not just physically but in all other areas of health.

“One thing we hear often from exercise class participants is how much they love the socialisation that occurs and the camaraderie,” said Natalie.

For more information about physical activity classes provided by Murrumbidgee Local Health District please contact Adelle Kennedy, Health Promotion Officer on 0484 932 389 or visit www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au.

How to register for Walking Basketball:

Deniliquin: Registration forms are available from John Arthur 0408 997 705 at Deni Basketball Stadium, or at Deniliquin Community Health

Albury: Registration forms are available at Albury PCYC or call Adelle on 0484 932 389

Junee: Registration forms are available at the front office at Junee Hospital or call Adelle on 0484 932 389

Walking Basketball research project

Walking Basketball for Men 65+ sessions are once a week for 12 weeks as part of a research project conducted by Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Healthy Ageing Programs for Independence (HAPI). The project is looking at the feasibility, acceptability and health benefits of walking basketball for men 65+.

The Walking Basketball research project has been approved by Greater Western Human Research Ethics Committee (2025/ETH02361) and Murrumbidgee Local Health District Research Governance (2025/STE03829)