Abstract
BackgroundHealthy lifestyle programs that are designed specifically to appeal to and support men to improve lifestyle behaviors and lose weight are needed. The Rugby Fans in Training-New Zealand (RUFIT-NZ) program is delivered by professional rugby clubs and inspired by the successful Football Fans In Training program (FFIT), a gender sensitized weight loss program for obese middle-aged men delivered by professional football clubs in Scotland. RUFIT-NZ required development and evaluation for feasibility.MethodsTo develop the intervention we reviewed content from the FFIT program and evidence-based physical activity, dietary and weight management guidelines, and undertook a series of focus groups and key informant interviews. We then evaluated the feasibility of the intervention in a two-arm, parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial in New Zealand. Ninety-six participants were randomized to either the 12-week RUFIT-NZ intervention (N = 49) or a control group (N = 47). The intervention was delivered through professional rugby clubs and involved physical activity training and classroom sessions on healthy lifestyle behaviors. Pilot trial outcomes included body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lifestyle behaviors. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and retention rates, and acceptability of the intervention.ResultsAt 12 weeks the mean difference in body weight was 2.5 kg (95% CI -0.4 to 5.4), which favored the intervention. Statistically significant differences in favor of the intervention group were also observed for waist circumference, resting heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and the proportion of participants that were adherent to 3 or more healthy lifestyle behaviors. The intervention was considered feasible to test in a full trial given the good recruitment and retention rates, and positive feedback from participants.ConclusionsA pilot study of a healthy lifestyle intervention delivered via professional rugby clubs in New Zealand demonstrated positive effects on weight and physiological outcomes, as well as adherence to lifestyle behaviors. Feasibility issues in terms of recruitment, retention, and participant acceptability were assessed and findings will be used to inform the design of a definitive trial.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000137493, 05/12/2016.
Highlights
Healthy lifestyle programs that are designed to appeal to and support men to improve lifestyle behaviors and lose weight are needed
We considered that a program inspired by Football Fans In Training program (FFIT), but conducted through professional rugby clubs, could be effective and feasible for targeting overweight and obese males in New Zealand (NZ)
Participants identified with the idea of delivering a healthy lifestyle program via professional clubs but stated it should be free of charge and available at times that meet the needs of potential participants
Summary
Healthy lifestyle programs that are designed to appeal to and support men to improve lifestyle behaviors and lose weight are needed. Men have a lower life expectancy than women, despite having comparable self-reported ratings of good to excellent health [1]. Reasons for this are multifactorial, but include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and the high prevalence of obesity, as well as past rates of tobacco smoking [2]. A healthy lifestyle program that is appealing to men while supporting them in weight loss and long-term lifestyle changes is urgently needed to improve the health of NZ men
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