A Review of the Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions for Adult Males

Abstract

Physical inactivity is one of the main modifiable risk factors for a range of noncommunicable diseases. Of particular interest are adult males, a hard-to-reach population group for health promotion interventions. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical evaluation of the published health-related physical activity interventions that have targeted adult males. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL®, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus™ was conducted for intervention studies published in English, between January 1990 and August 2010. Studies including community-dwelling adult men (≥ 18 years), or including both males and females where data on male participants could be extracted and examined, were included in this review. Studies assessing changes in levels of physical activity, physical fitness or changes in biomarkers of disease risk relevant to physical activity (e.g. body weight, waist circumference, lipids, blood pressure) were the primary focus. A total of 14 studies focusing on physical activity only and nine combined physical activity and nutrition studies were also included in this review. Ten of the 14 physical activity only studies and four of the nine combined physical activity and nutrition studies demonstrated significant increases in physical activity outcomes. Face-to-face, group-based and print-based methods were most commonly employed in these interventions. Within each mode of delivery, a number of elements including regular feedback, access to self-monitoring tools, elements of social support, variety in activities and a degree of friendly competition, were revealed as positive inclusions for this population group. Males are generally under-represented in health-promotion interventions and should therefore be targeted specifically, and while results of the included studies are encouraging, there is a lack of intervention studies targeting adult males. Further research into this population group is therefore required.

Clinical Effectiveness of Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance Interventions for Men: A Systematic Review of Men-Only Randomized Controlled Trials (The ROMEO Project)

“…A preference for individualized interventions and personal goals has also been reported in the physical activity literature (George et al, 2012;Newton, Griffith, Kearney, & Bennett, 2015). It could be that tailoring interventions for individual requirements or preferences offers men a greater sense of personal control than interventions that lack this personalized element, and this may appeal to men more than to women (Robertson et al, 2014).…”

A Test of Social Cognitive Theory to Explain Men’s Physical Activity During a Gender-Tailored Weight Loss Program

“…In addition, this was one of the very few studies to assess all major SCT constructs according to Bandura's (2004) most recent model conceptualization. This study also provides unique information into the utility of SCT to explain PA behavior in men, who are notably underrepresented in theoretical research , PA research (George et al, 2012), and weight loss research (Young, Morgan, Plotnikoff, Callister, & Collins, 2012).…”

Feasibility and Acceptability of an Internet-Based Program to Promote Physical Activity in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis

“…20 Consequently, internet-based programs may help overcome barriers to exercise reported by participants attending hospital-based exercise programs (eg, transport and time) 21 and may aid in improving exercise program adherence. 18 Evidence from patient preference studies and successful physical activity-promotion strategies suggests that effective strategies include the exclusive targeting of physical activity, 12 use of behavioral strategies such as feedback and goal setting, 12,18,22 and capacity for selfmonitoring. 12 Additionally, reports of patient preferences relating to internet-based physical activity programs included easy program accessibility with simple interactive features; the ability to document, track, and monitor personal progress; and the capability to access expert advice via e-mail.…”