Abstract
BackgroundThe health outcomes of men continue to be poorer than women globally. Challenges in addressing this problem include difficulties engaging men in weight loss programs as they tend to view these programs as contrary to the masculine narrative of independence and self-reliance. Researchers have been turning towards sports fans to engage men in health promotion programs as sports fans are typically male, and tend to have poor health habits.MethodsDeveloped from the highly successful gender-sensitized Football Fans in Training program, Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) recruited 80 male hockey fans of the London Knights and Sarnia Sting who were overweight or obese into a weekly, 90-minute classroom education and group exercise program held over 12 weeks; a 40-week minimally-supported phase followed. A process evaluation of the Hockey FIT program was completed alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial and outcome evaluation in order to fully explore the acceptability of the Hockey FIT program from the perspectives of coaches delivering and participants engaged in the program. Data sources included attendance records, participant focus groups, coach interviews, assessment of fidelity (program observations and post-session coach reflections), and 12-month participant interviews.ResultsCoaches enjoyed delivering the program and found it simple to deliver. Men valued being among others of similar body shape and similar weight loss goals, and found the knowledge they gained through the program helped them to make and maintain health behaviour changes. Suggested improvements include having more hockey-related information and activities, greater flexibility with timing of program delivery, and greater promotion of technology support tools.ConclusionsWe confirmed Hockey FIT was an acceptable “gender-sensitized” health promotion program for male hockey fans who were overweight or obese. Minor changes were required for optimization, which will be evaluated in a future definitive trial.Trial registrationNCT02396524 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Date of registration: Feb 26, 2015.
Highlights
IntroductionIntroduction to HockeyHockey Fans in Training (FIT) team & Men 2
Introduction to HockeyHockey Fans in Training (FIT) team & Men 2
We report on the process evaluation of a pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial of the Hockey FIT program
Summary
Introduction to HockeyFIT team & Men 2. Receive Healthy Eating Rx and in groups set goals. The health outcomes of men continue to be poorer than women globally Challenges in addressing this problem include difficulties engaging men in weight loss programs as they tend to view these programs as contrary to the masculine narrative of independence and self-reliance. Up to 70% of men’s risk for these diseases could be prevented through a healthy diet, being physically active, smoking cessation, and reducing excess alcohol consumption [4, 5]. Targeting male sports fans in professional sports club/ team settings has shown recent success [12, 13] as these fans tend to share a group identity with other fans of the same sport [14] and have poor health habits [15, 16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
