Hockey Fans in Training

Abstract

IntroductionHockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) is a gender-sensitized weight loss and healthy lifestyle program. We investigated 1) feasibility of recruiting and retaining overweight and obese men into a pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial and 2) potential for Hockey FIT to lead to weight loss and improvements in other outcomes at 12 wk and 12 months.MethodsMale fans of two ice hockey teams (35–65 yr; body mass index ≥28 kg·m−2) located in Ontario (Canada) were randomized to intervention (Hockey FIT) or comparator (wait-list control). Hockey FIT includes a 12-wk active phase (weekly, coach-led group meetings including provision of dietary information, practice of behavior change techniques, and safe exercise sessions plus incremental pedometer walking) and a 40-wk minimally supported phase (smartphone app for sustaining physical activity, private online social network, standardized e-mails, booster session/reunion). Measurement at baseline and 12 wk (both groups) and 12 months (intervention group only) included clinical outcomes (e.g., weight) and self-reported physical activity, diet, and self-rated health.ResultsEighty men were recruited in 4 wk; trial retention was >80% at 12 wk and >75% at 12 months. At 12 wk, the intervention group lost 3.6 kg (95% confidence interval, −5.26 to −1.90 kg) more than the comparator group (P < 0.001) and maintained this weight loss to 12 months. The intervention group also demonstrated greater improvements in other clinical measures, physical activity, diet, and self-rated health at 12 wk; most sustained to 12 months.ConclusionsResults suggest feasible recruitment/retention of overweight and obese men in the Hockey FIT program. Results provide evidence for the potential effectiveness of Hockey FIT for weight loss and improved health in at-risk men and, thus, evidence to proceed with a definitive trial.

Scale-Up and Scale-Out of a Gender-Sensitized Weight Management and Healthy Living Program Delivered to Overweight Men via Professional Sports Clubs: The Wider Implementation of Football Fans in Training (FFIT)

“…In 2014, a research team based at London University, Ontario obtained funding from the Men's Health Charity, Movember, to undertake a pilot pragmatic RCT of FFIT delivered in Canadian ice hockey clubs. The Hockey FIT initiative reflects the popularity of ice hockey in Canada; two-thirds of adult Canadians are said to follow ice hockey as a fan, and 80% identify it as "a key part of what it means to be Canadian" [55] (p. 2507). Hockey FIT is adapted directly from FFIT [56] (p. 3) and uses the "love of [ice] hockey", rather than football (soccer), as the hook.…”

“…Components from HealtheSteps TM were also included (e.g., "lifestyle prescriptions", and access to a private online social network platform and HealtheSteps TM smartphone app). Participants were encouraged to engage with these tools post-program during a "forty-week minimally supported phase" (see [55]). However, process evaluation data from the pilot RCT showed that the HealtheSteps TM smartphone app "was not used by participants due to technical challenges experienced by the men (i.e., difficulties signing in, not tracking steps, crashing)" and analysis of interviews with participants 12 months after baseline measures showed that "the Hockey FIT social network was used passively with men only accessing the HeatheSteps TM network when they received a message/post from their coach or another participant.…”

“…A pilot pragmatic trial of Hockey FIT [56] has been completed, with the primary objective "to examine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining men in Hockey FIT and the acceptability of the research procedures" [55] (p. 2057). Eighty male fans of two clubs from the Ontario Hockey league were recruited, measured and randomized, either to participate in Hockey FIT soon after the baseline measures (intervention group), or after 12-week follow-up measures had been completed (waitlist comparator group); the intervention group was additionally followed to 12 months.…”

A Weight-Loss and Healthy Living Program for Men Delivered in Swedish Football and Ice-Hockey Clubs (ViSiT): Results from the ViSiT Feasibility Study

“…The FFIT concept has spread across the world via rugby (RUFIT-NZ, New Zealand) [20], football (Aussie-FIT, Australia) [21] hockey (Hockey FIT, Canada) [18] [19] and in Europe via EuroFIT [23]. Thus, this type of intervention needs refinement to fit into different contexts.…”

“…FFIT has also inspired other sports. Within the Canadian context, Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) has developed with promising results [18] [19].…”