Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT): Improving Men's Health Through the Power of Sport
Condition: Overweight; Obesity
MeSH terms: Overweight
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      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.
    

Detailed description: 
      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.
    

Intervention name(s): Hockey FIT Program (Immediate Delivery)
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Hockey FIT is comprised of a 3-Month Active Phase and a 9-Month Minimally-Supported Phase.
Active Phase: 12 weekly, 90-minute group-based sessions consisting of classroom-based education and exercise. Outside of sessions, participants follow their individualized lifestyle prescriptions for healthy eating, physical activity (steps), and exercise. Participants are encouraged to regularly use health technology support tools customized to Hockey FIT. Minimally-supported phase: Participants are encouraged to continue with their healthy lifestyle behaviour changes and to regularly use the health technology support tools.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial with 2 arms: intervention (immediate delivery of Hockey FIT program) and comparator (wait-list control/delayed delivery of Hockey FIT program)
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Chronic disease; Men's health; Health promotion; Exercise; Healthy diet; Health Technology; Weight loss; Hockey