Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT): Improving Men's Health Through the Power of Sport

Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT): A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Men's Health Through the Power of Sport

Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) is a 12-month (3-month active phase and 9-month minimally-supported phase) weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for middle-aged, male hockey fans with overweight or obesity, delivered by trained coaches in collaboration with major junior or professional hockey teams and implementation partners (e.g., YMCAs, local fitness facilities, and universities) in Canada and the United States.

In the proposed study, a minimum of 32 sites (affiliated with hockey teams and local implementation partners) will be randomly assigned to either immediate delivery (Hockey FIT program) or delayed delivery (wait-list control). At each site, male hockey fans at risk for chronic diseases will be recruited to take part in the study (note: the goal is to recruit approximately 40 men/site). Sites assigned to the delayed delivery group will offer the Hockey FIT program to their enrolled participants after 12 months.

Through the Hockey FIT program, the investigators aim to promote weight loss, increase physical activity levels, and improve other health measures through a cost-effective solution that is acceptable and appealing to men who have overweight or obesity.

The overall goal of this study is to reduce preventable chronic diseases in men by improving health behaviours and health indicators. To achieve this goal, following a successful pilot study providing strong evidence to proceed with a definitive trial, the investigators are conducting a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Hockey FIT program.

The primary specific aim is to conduct an outcome evaluation to evaluate the effectiveness of Hockey FIT in middle-aged men who have overweight or obesity. Specifically, the investigators will: examine whether Hockey FIT (vs. wait-list control) leads to: greater weight loss at 12 months (primary outcome), as well as improved health behaviours (physical activity; sedentary time; eating habits) and health indicators (physiological measures; health & psychosocial measures) at 3 and 12 months.

Following the pilot study, the investigators will use the affiliation of being a fan of hockey as a powerful draw to engage men. Sites will be selected based on availability of both a major junior (or professional) hockey team and an implementation partner (e.g., YMCA branch, fitness facility, University) located in the city. A minimum of 32 sites in Canada and the United States will be randomized to the intervention (Hockey FIT program: immediately delivery) or comparator (wait-list control: delayed delivery); at each site, men will be recruited to participate (with the goal of recruiting approximately 40 men/site). Intervention sites will begin Hockey FIT immediately while comparator sites will offer Hockey FIT after a 12-month delay. The measurement sessions involving both groups will take place at 0 (baseline), 3 and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male;
2. Between 35 and 65 years of age;
3. Objectively-measured body-mass index of at least 27 kg/m2
4. Deemed safe to participate in physical activity [i.e., clear the 2018 Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) or receive written clearance from a health care provider].

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Advised by a health care provider to not participate in the program