“Gender-sensitized” physical activity programs are a key development in men’s health promotion and demonstrate potential for engaging hard-to-reach men. |
Four programs that engaged men through organized sports resulted in increased physical activity. |
Programs with a diverse set of components, including online and mobile platforms, may impact the physical activity of men if the approach is simple, clear, and tailored to men’s interests and preferences. |
1 Introduction
2 Literature Search Methodology
Study | Study design | Participants | Theoretical basis | Gender focus? | Mode of delivery | Outcomes | Program | Program duration | Changes in PA and other secondary outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Andersen et al. [34] | RCT (with 6 months follow-up post-program end) | 150 Pakistani immigrant men 25–60 years Norway | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample | Community-based Group-based Face-to-face | PA measured by an accelerometer (CPM), minutes of sedentary behavior, and minutes of light, moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous PA | The Physical Activity and Minority Health study included two groups: | 5 months | Changes in PA: |
Yes. Total PA was higher in intervention group compared to the control group at 6 month follow-up | |||||||||
PA program group (consisted of group exercise sessions twice per week, two group lectures, one individual counselling session, written materials, and a phone call) | |||||||||
Control group (received their baseline results only. After the intervention the group was offered the chance to participate in organized exercise once/week for 4 months, one group lecture, and written materials) | |||||||||
Other outcomes: | |||||||||
Changes in social cognitive constructs (self-efficacy, social support and outcome expectancies) did not mediate changes in PA | |||||||||
Baruth et al. [68] | RCT | 874 Inactive adults (479 men) recruited from primary care facilities (e.g. physician’s office) 35–74 years United States | Social cognitive theory and transtheoretical model | Co-ed | Individual-based Print-based Telephone-based Face-to-face | BMI, lipids and lipoproteins (TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG), SBP, DBP, and cardiorespiratory fitness | The Activity Counselling Trial (ACT) intervention included three treatment groups: Advice (standard care: received 2–4 min of counselling on the recommended amount of PA and were given written material about recommended PA guidelines. The advice group were also allowed to call a health educator about any questions regarding PA) Assistance group (given all the same materials and resources as the advice group, as well as a 30–40 min counselling session with a health educator, monthly interactive mail newsletters, a pedometer and a calendar) Counselling group (received everything that the advice and assistance groups received. Additionally the counselling group also received biweekly telephone counselling for the first 6 months, monthly telephone counselling for the remainder of the first year and telephone counselling for the final year. The frequency was determined by the participant and the counsellor) | 2 yr | Changes in PA: Could not determine Other outcomes: There were no significant differences between the three treatment groups. In men (across all groups) there was a significant decrease in DBP, TC, LDL-C cholesterol, the total cholesterol to HDL-C cholesterol ratio and TG from baseline at 24 months. For men SBP significantly decreased if their weight also significantly decreased |
Dalleck et al. [62] | Pre-post | 332 Adults (142 men) 28–88 years United States | No | Co-ed | Community-based Individual-based Face-to-face | Absolute and relative energy expenditure, WC, body mass, SBP, DBP, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, blood glucose, cardiorespiratory fitness, and 10 year risk score | Exercise program (each participant worked with an exercise trainer 3 days/week for 14 weeks and aimed to reach an individualized energy expenditure of 14–23 kcal kg−1 week−1. The exercise trainer coached and provided support for the participant) | 14 weeks | Changes in PA: Could not determine. Participants engaged in supervised exercise and outcomes related to cardiovascular risk were measured, but PA was not measured as an outcome Other outcomes: All outcomes (except total cholesterol) and 10-year cardiovascular risk score improved significantly following the program |
Foulds et al. [35] | Pre-post | 273 Aboriginal adults (58 men) 18–75 years Canada | No | Co-ed | Community-based Group-based Face-to-face | PA, weight, BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, TC, HDL-C, TC:HDL-C ratio, and blood glucose | Hearts in Training (participants selected one of three PA interventions: walking, walk/running, or running to train for the Vancouver Sun Run, and received weekly group training sessions in local Aboriginal community as well as individual training twice per week) | 13 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. PA scores improved with training in all groups Other outcomes: WC, SBP, and total cholesterol improved with training. Most consistent improvements were seen in the walking group, who scored worse than the walk/running and running groups pre-intervention. Participants appropriately self-selected PA programs suited to their ability |
Gany et al. [56] | Pre-post pilot study | 74 South Asia taxi drivers 30–79 years United States | No | Male-only sample | Individual-based Paper-based Telephone-based | Daily step counts, SBP, DBP, LDL-C, HDL-C, blood glucose, and BMI | Supporting South Asian Taxi Drivers to Exercise through Pedometers (SSTEP; included pedometers, written materials and a logbook for tracking steps along with telephone follow-up) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Participants in SSTEP program increased their daily steps from baseline Other outcomes: No significant changes in any of the secondary measures. Participants with higher baseline blood glucose had greater increases in step counts |
Gram et al. [69] | RCT | 61 Caucasian men who were sedentary and moderately overweight with no first degree relatives with type 2 diabetes 20–40 years Denmark | Theory of planned behavior | Male-only sample | Group-based Face-to-face | Body weight, BMI, VO2max, mL O2, fat free mass, fat mass, and attitude towards PA | In Project FINE (Four-IN-onE; participants were assigned to be a part of the control group, the moderate intensity exercise group (300 kcal a day/30 min), or the high intensity exercise group (600 kcal a day/60 min). Exercise was supervised using a heart rate monitor and through meetings with the project’s research staff. A subset of participants from each group participated in semi-structured interviews) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. The intervention included supervised PA of both moderate and high intensity. Adherence to PA was higher in moderate intensity group Other outcomes: Both the moderate and high intensity group, but not the control group, lost body weight, lowered their BMI, and improved their VO2max, and mL O2 ratio. Body mass composed of fat decreased in both the exercise groups but not the control group. Participants that were part of the high intensity exercise group perceived 60 min of PA a day to be too tiring and time consuming. Subjects that were part of the moderate intensity exercise group reported an increased awareness about lifestyle habits and their health conditions. Further, they had a positive attitude towards exercise and a perceived increase in energy |
Griffith et al. [70] | Pre-post pilot study | 41 African American men who reported having a physician’s approval to participate in an intervention aimed at increasing PA 35–70 years United States | Social cognitive theory and self determination theory | Male-only sample and male-centred approach The program involved small group, male-focused PA, with age-appropriate role modelling and male peer support | Face-to-face Community-based | WC, weight, blood pressure, TC, HDL-C. LDL-C, glucose levels, and TG | Pilot study of the Men on the Move program (groups of 5–10 men met with a personal trainer once a week for 10 weeks. During the group sessions they participated in PA (e.g., flexibility, strength and cardiovascular exercises). The intervention aimed to teach men how they can engage in PA anywhere at a low cost. Additionally, participants were provided with a list of PA classes that were being held in their area, a list of websites that were thought to be helpful in aiding men increase PA, and a contact list of their group members (to encourage getting together outside of scheduled group sessions) | 10 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Self-report measures showed significant improvements from baseline in participants’ overall PA level, intensity of PA, and motivation to engage in PA Other outcomes: Significant improvements from baseline in health status, and stress level. Further, all of the physiological variables improved, however these improvements were not statistically significant |
Hooker et al. [38] | Pre-post | 25 African American Men 45–66 years United States | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample and male-centred approach The program included cultural and gender sensitive (tailored to masculine identity) elements based on formative research | Group-based Face-to-face | Self-reported PA, body weight, lower-body leg strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness, social support, self-efficacy, self-regulation (for PA), and participant satisfaction with the program | Intervention (consisted of 90 min group sessions twice/week. Session content included friendly competition and camaraderie, PA goals recorded weekly, and most PA was conducted outside of sessions) | 8 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Significant positive changes for PA Other outcomes: Self-efficacy, social support, self-regulation, functional fitness and aerobic fitness significantly improved. Very high participant satisfaction with program. The research staff reported that friendly competition suited men well |
Kim et al. [39] | Pre-post | 376 Male employees with at least 1 metabolic risk factor 30–62 years Japan | No | Male-only sample | Individual-based Internet-based (email) Face-to-face Workplace-based | BMI, PA, WC, SBP, DBP, TG, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL-C | Workplace Lifestyle-based Physical Activity Intervention program (participants aimed to walk 3,000 steps/day on at least 5 days/week and 2,000 of the steps were to be obtained through brisk walking. Participants also received a 1.5 h lecture on the benefits of PA and pedometer use, and received monthly reports on adherence to program) | 1 year | Changes in PA: Yes. Both total steps and brisk walking were significantly increased at 1 year follow-up Other outcomes: A reduction in metabolic syndrome risk factors was correlated with an increase in the brisk walking step count and brisk walking for at least 10 min was advantageous for improving metabolic syndrome. Significant improvements were observed in WC, SBP, HDL-C, and fasting plasma glucose The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was reduced from 39.9 to 20.9 % |
Martin-Valero et al. [63] | RCT pilot study | 75 Inactive adults with cardiovascular risk factors (31 men) 57–69 years Spain | No | Co-ed | Group-based Face-to-face | Weight, height, SBP, DBP, heart rate, rated perceived effort, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and physical and mental health | The Physical Activity Promotion Program (PAPP) included two groups: Intervention group (60 min exercise session including a warm up, aerobic exercise, and a cool down twice/week for 12 weeks) Control group (received educational leaflet) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Could not determine Did not measure PA as an outcome, but assigned intervention group to 60 min exercise sessions Other outcomes: Significant improvement in pulmonary outcomes (except forced expiratory volume in one second) and in the quality of life of men in the intervention group |
Plotnikoff et al. [58] | RCT trial (with 6 months follow-up post-program end) | 287 Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (154 men) Canada | Integrated stage approach (described as a combination of social-cognitive constructs, items from the theory of planned behavior, transtheoretical model, social cognitive theory, motivation theory, and the health belief model) | Co-ed | Individual-based Print-based Telephone-based | PA (self-reported and steps), glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c), insulin, glucose, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, and health related quality of life (physical and mental health scale) | The Alberta Diabetes and Physical Activity Trial (ADAPT) included three trial groups: Print material group (PA guidelines by the Canadian diabetes association, stage based print materials, pedometer, logbook, and calendar) Telephone counselling group (received the same materials as the print materials group as well as follow-up telephone calls from trained counsellors for additional support) Control group (received PA guidelines and pedometer, but was instructed not to use pedometer between the assessment periods) | 1 year | Changes in PA: No. PA did not change in intervention group versus control group Other outcomes: Clinical variables did not change for men in the intervention groups versus the control group The health related quality of life physical scale scores increased significantly in the intervention groups compared to the control group. Combined print materials, pedometer, and telephone counselling was ineffective for increasing men’s PA |
Sheeran et al. [40] | RCT (with 6 months follow-up post-program end) | 467 Male members of a fishing club Mean age: 53.88 years England | Fantasy realization theory and mental contrasting along with variables based on the theory of planned behavior | Male-only sample | Individual-based Telephone-based Face-to face | Self-reported level of PA and variables based on the theory of planned behavior (i.e., perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and attitudes) | Gone Exercising (consisted of a double-blind randomized controlled trial in which the participants were either assigned to the control group or the mental contrasting intervention group. A baseline questionnaire was administered to both groups and consisted of demographics, reporting PA, and measured planned behavior relating to PA. Participants that were part of the intervention group received a mental contrasting induction to prompt them to mentally work through the barriers to engaging in PA. Participants were telephoned 1 month after baseline measurement and 7 months after baseline measurement to obtain measure of level of PA) | 1 month | Changes in PA: Yes. Mental contrasting intervention enhanced rates of self-reported PA Other outcomes: Mental contrasting enabled participants to translate their attitudes about the importance of PA into action (i.e., engaging in PA) |
Young et al. [64] | RCT | 378 (197 men) individuals with abnormal lipid profiles 30–64 years for men United States | No | Co-ed | Group-based Face-to-face | Plasma high-sensitivity, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, fasting blood glucose, and WC | The Diet and Exercise for Elevated cardiovascular disease Risk (DEER; individuals were randomly assigned to be part of the control group, PA only group, low-fat diet only group, or low-fat diet and PA group. In the low-fat diet groups, participants were provided with one individualized counselling session that was conducted by a registered dietician, followed by 8 group sessions. After the 12 week adoption phase participants received monthly follow ups for the following 6–8 months. Participants in the PA groups met with an exercise coach on week one and were offered 3 group classes a week during the 12 week activation phase. Participants were also offered group exercise options for 7–8 months during the maintenance phase. Participants were supposed to engage in an equivalent to 10 miles a week of fast walking or jogging) | 1 year | Changes in PA: Could not determine Did not measure PA directly Other outcomes: For the male participants a change in blood pressure and TG was associated with a change in plasma high-sensitivity. For men that were part of the low-fat diet plus PA group a change in plasma high sensitivity was associated with a change in the percentage of their body mass that is composed of fat as well as a change in their fasting insulin |
Study | Study design | Participants | Theoretical basis | Gender focus? | Mode of delivery | Outcomes | Program | Program duration | Main findings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aadahl et al. [41] | RCT | Study population: 10,108 (4,870 men) 30–60 years Denmark | Social cognitive theory, health belief model, and transtheoretical model | Co-ed | Individual-based Face-to-face | PA | The Inter99 study included 3 groups: High intensity intervention (Individual lifestyle counselling based on personal risk estimate and motivation for change. The initial 15–45 min lifestyle consultation focused on PA, along with smoking, diet and alcohol. Participants were encouraged to exercise for a minimum of 30 min/day. Individuals with high risk for ischemic heart disease were offered group counselling on diet, PA, and smoking cessation/reduction) Low intensity intervention (Individual lifestyle counselling and individuals with high risk for ischemic heart disease referred to GP) Control group (no intervention) | 5 years | Changes in PA: Significant beneficial effect on PA over 5 years of intervention for men in high intensity intervention Other outcomes: Differences in PA across intervention group were not related to level of education |
Borel et al. [42] | Pre-post design as well as comparison to a reference group of non-obese men | 144 Viscerally obese men with insulin resistance and reference group of 47 non-obese men 30–65 years Canada | No | Male-only sample | Individual-based Face-to-face | Weight, hip circumference, WC, fat mass, fat free mass, excess visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, cardiorespiratory fitness, plasma glucose, plasma insulin, plasma lipoprotein, lipid profile, and adipokine inflammatory markers | SYNERGIE intervention group (Participants were given counselling with a nutritionist and a kinesiologist once every two weeks for the first 4 months of the intervention, followed by monthly counselling for the remainder of the year. The nutritional counselling aimed for the participants to have a 500 kcal daily energy deficit. The PA counselling aimed for the participants to engage in a minimum of 160 min of moderate intensity endurance exercise per week. The participants received a personalized training program and had free access to a fitness center) Reference group (baseline assessments were taken from a group of non-obese, healthy men to serve as a reference/target) | 1 year | Changes in PA: Yes. PA significantly increased in the intervention group Other outcomes: After the 1-year intervention men in the intervention group had lost weight (average = 7 kg), and the visceral adipose tissue decreased by 18.4 % and subcutaneous abdominal tissue decreased by 21 % in this group Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly increased in the intervention group and daily caloric intake significantly decreased. The BMI was still higher in the intervention group compared to the reference group but their SBP, DBP and HR matched the levels of the reference group |
Brady et al. [61] | Pre-post pilot study (with 15 months follow-up post-program end) | 40 Adult men obtained from the Rangers and Celtic football team season ticket holder databases 40–60 years Scotland | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach. The exercise program held at two football clubs was designed to harness men’s dedication as fans of football and was supervised by football coaches | Group-based Face-to-face | Body weight, SBP, DBP, TC, and blood glucose levels | Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers Football Clubs exercise program (was individually tailored to find the participants ideal heart rate level to reach during exercise. Heart monitors were used to observe heart rate and participants were asked to exercise for 20 min at their ideal heart rate 3–4 times a week. There were ten weekly 2 h group based sessions The first hour of each session was a health seminar taught by a physician. The second half of the group based sessions consisted of group exercise activities; these sessions were supervised by professional football coaches) | 10 weeks | Changes in PA: Could not determine. Did not measure increases in PA directly Other outcomes: After the 10 week intervention there was a significant positive change in the participant’s cardiovascular health. The average weight lost per participant was 2.73 kg (4 % reduction in total body weight). There was a small decrease in SBP but DBP did not change. TC was reduced by 8 %. The 15 month follow up (n = 36) revealed that the weight loss that was originally achieved by the participants was maintained. Additionally, on average men had lost another 1.05 kg. SBP and DBP levels did not change at the follow up |
Duncan et al. [55] | RCT | 317 Men 35–54 years Australia | Social cognitive theory and self-regulation theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was tailored specifically to men based on research regarding men’s preferences and a review of other published interventions targeting men | Individual-based Internet-based Print-based | Self-reported minutes of PA, self-reported sessions of PA, dietary behaviours, health literacy, satisfaction with program, and use of information technology platform | The ManUp program included two groups: Information-technology-based intervention arm (participants had access to an online platform to record and view their progress, review educational information, and connect with online friends. There was also a mobile phone application available to participants with cellphones) Print-based intervention arm (participants received hard copy educational materials and a print booklet to track their progress) | 9 months | Changes in PA: Yes. PA (minutes and sessions of PA) was increased in both the print-based and the information-technology-based intervention groups Other outcomes: Dietary behaviours were significantly improved in both groups, health literacy was improved, and over half of the participants in each group were satisfied with the PA challenge. Use of the information technology platform was not associated with PA or dietary behaviour |
Eto et al. [43] | Pre-post | 50 Men with BMI >25 kg/m2
40–64 years Japan | No | Male-only sample | Group-based Face-to-face | Body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat-free mass, % fat mass, intra-abdominal fat area, subcutaneous fat area, SBP, DBP, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, VO2peak, total energy intake, and PA | Free-living Physical Activity Promotion Weight Loss Program (consisted of 2 phases. First, the 3 month diet modification program included weekly (90 min) instructional sessions, individual counselling, lectures on low-calorie diets and eating behaviors. Participants kept food diary and received individualized feedback Second, the 3 month PA promotion phase included weekly (90 min) sessions consisting of lectures (30 ins) and walking (60 mins). Participants were instructed to continue PA over the week and target a total of 250 min/week of moderate-vigorous PA) | 6 months | Changes in PA: Yes. PA increased following PA phase Other outcomes: Significant reduction in body weight, BMI and percentages of fat mass, intra-abdominal fat area and subcutaneous fat area, and improvements in HDL-C, and VO2peak following diet phase (3 month). Significant decrease in energy intake, fat-free mass, SBP, DBP, TG, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1c following diet phase but no additional change following PA phase. Significant decrease in TC and LDL-C following diet phase but these returned to baseline following PA phase |
Freak-Poli et al. [44] | Pre-post | 762 Adults who were sedentary during their work hours (303 males) Mean age: 39.8 years Australia | No | Co-ed | Group-based Face-to-face Internet-based Workplace-based | Diabetes risk factors, cardiovascular disease risk factors, PA, TC, WC, SBP, DBP, and fruit and vegetable intake | The intervention was part of the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC; the Global cooperate challenges is a 125 day work place intervention that uses pedometers as a tool and encourages participants to reach 10,000 steps a day. Employees are broken up into teams of 7 people who enter their step counts online to “virtually walk around the world”. Weekly e-mails are sent out to all participants to motivate them to reach the prescribed step count. The Global Corporate Challenge website also includes additional health related information, forums, and a function to compare your teams progress with the progress of other teams) | 4 months | Changes in PA: Yes. Male participants increased from baseline in meeting the recommended guidelines for PA Other outcomes: Male participants increased from baseline in meeting the recommended guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake. SBP and DBP was also significantly improved. Male participants decreased from baseline in TC and TG. Finally, male participants decreased their risk from baseline of being diagnosed with diabetes within the next 5 years |
Gray et al. [45] | RCT pilot study (with 3 and 9 months follow-ups post-program end) | 103 Men with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater 35–65 years Scotland | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was tailored specifically to men by promoting peer support, using behavior change techniques, and encouraging competition and humor | Group-based Face-to-face | Weight, height, BMI, WC, resting BP, body fat, self-reported PA and diet, and alcohol intake | Pilot Football Fans In Training (FFIT; coaching staff from the Scottish Premier League delivered 12, 90 min sessions that included health education and PA components. Participants learned about healthy eating and PA as well as received tailored aerobic, strength, and flexibility training exercises. Participants aimed to walk for 45 min per day) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Participants significantly increased their moderate-vigorous PA Other outcomes: Participants in the intervention group reduced their WC and BP, and 45.5 % of participants achieved a 5 % decrease in body weight at 12 weeks. These participants also improved their diet The improvements in weight loss, WC, PA, and diet were maintained at 6 and 12 months The FFIT program adequately recruited and retained members of the target population |
Hunt et al. [46] | RCT (with 9 months follow-up post program end) | 747 Men with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or greater 35–65 years Scotland | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was gender sensitised in context (i.e., delivered to football fans in professional football clubs), drew on peer-support, and included content tailored specifically for men | Group-based Face-to-face | Weight, height, BMI, WC, resting BP, body fat, self-reported PA and diet, alcohol intake, and psychological outcomes | Football Fans In Training (FFIT; coaching staff delivered weekly 90 min sessions for 12 weeks to groups of up to 30 men in 13 different Scottish football clubs. After the initial 12 weeks, a 9 month maintenance stage included email prompts to participants and one group reunion) Control group (1 year waitlist) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Significantly higher self-reported PA in intervention group compared to control group Other outcomes: Participants in the intervention group reduced their weight, BMI, WC, BP, and body fat significantly more than those in the control group. They also improved their diet and psychological outcomes |
Jakicic et al. [47] | RCT | 3,942 Overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes (1,603 men) United States | No | Co-ed | Group-based Face-to-face | Height, weight, BMI, WC, cardiorespiratory fitness, leisure time PA, and glycemic control | Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI; month 1–6: group and individual sessions. Month 7–12: 2 group sessions/month, 1 individual session/month, 1 motivational campaign. Month 13–48: monthly in person meeting with counsellor plus contact through email or telephone and 2 refresher campaigns For the dietary component, participants were instructed to aim for an energy intake of 1,200–1,800 kcal/day with less than 30 % from dietary fat and less than 10 % from saturated fat. For the PA component, participants were instructed to aim for at least 50 min/week of PA, then to increase this to at least 175 min/week by week 26) Usual care group (3 group meetings per year where diet, PA, and social support were discussed) | 4 years | Changes in PA: Yes. Participants in the Intensive Lifestyle Intervention program increased their leisure time PA compared to the usual care group at year 4 Other outcomes: Participants in the intervention lost 4.9 % of initial weight, and increased their fitness compared to the usual care group at year 4 |
Jemmott III et al. [57] | RCT (with 6 and 12 months follow-ups post-program end) | 1,181 Men from 22 residential neighborhoods 18–45 years South Africa | Social cognitive theory and theory of planned behaviour | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was gender and culturally sensitised based on formative research. Group sessions included male-oriented activities such as beginning with a circle of men and brainstorming activities about what it means to be a man | Group-based Face-to-face | Self-reported PA, fruit and vegetable consumption, and alcohol consumption | The clustered RCT included two groups: The health-promotion intervention (delivered by a male facilitator this intervention included six 75-min group sessions delivered over 3 consecutive weeks. Sessions involved interactive activities with games, brainstorming, and videos focused on improving PA, fruit and vegetable consumption, and reducing alcohol and fat intake, along with practicing PA to increase self-efficacy) The HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention group (participants in this group served as a control group, and also attended group sessions involving interactive activities delivered by a male facilitator with a focus on HIV/STI risk reduction) | 3 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Participants in the health-promotion intervention group significantly increased their moderate-vigorous PA compared to the control group participants (averaged over 6 and 12 month follow-ups) Other outcomes: No changes in fruit and vegetables intake or alcohol consumption |
Kim et al. [65] | Pre-post | 138 People with metabolic syndrome (83 men) 40+ years Korea | No | Co-ed | Individual-based Print-based Internet-based Face-to-face | BMI, weight, WC, SBP, DBP, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, TC, TG, HDL-C, plasma adiponectin levels, and plasma vaspin levels | Individually tailored lifestyle modification program (focused on achieving a balanced diet. Additionally, participants were given an individualized exercise plan. Participants were also encouraged to quit or reduce smoking and alcohol use. Participants received bimonthly individual counselling as well as motivational e-mails three times a week with information on healthy eating and PA) | 10 months | Changes in PA: Could not determine Other outcomes: Significant favourable changes in metabolic factors (SBP, DBP, TC, TG, adiponectin, and insulin) from pre- to post-intervention. BMI, weight, and WC were unchanged by the intervention |
Lubans et al. [48]a
| RCT pilot study (with 3 months follow-up post-program end) | 53 Overweight or obese fathers and 71 school aged children Mean age: 40.6 years Australia | Social cognitive theory and family systems theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach Drew on men’s motivation to be healthy role models for their children, and the program included gender sensitive messages and materials | Group-based Face-to-face | Father’s weight, father’s PA, and father’s dietary intake | Healthy Dads Healthy Kids (HDHK; fathers attended 8 weekly group sessions. Five of these sessions were only attended by fathers while the other three included fathers and their children. Each of the eight sessions was 75 min in length. Fathers were given evidence based information surrounding the benefits of weight loss and behavior change. Fathers were asked to model these behaviors for their children. Fathers were encouraged to interact with their children through the medium of healthy eating and active living) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Fathers’ in the intervention group increased their PA (total number of steps per day) compared to fathers’ in the control group Other outcomes: Weight loss in the intervention group was statistically significant. Increases in PA mediated the effect of the intervention (i.e., fathers who increased their PA decreased their weight) |
Maruyama et al. [59] | RCT | 101 Male office workers who had metabolic syndrome risk factors 30–59 years Japan | No | Male-only sample | Individual-based Internet-based Face-to-face Workplace-based | Changes in food group intake, steps taken, BMI, umbilical circumference, BP, and blood analysis | Life Style Modification Program for Physical Activity and Nutrition program (LiSM10! monthly counselling sessions with dietician and physical trainer, enter weight, food intake, PA and pedometer data on website. Family members and health counsellors could view and comment on web entries) Control group (no treatment) | 4 months | Changes in PA: No. No difference in number of steps Other outcomes: Significant treatment effects for parameters related to insulin resistance, BMI, umbilical circumference, and habitual food intake |
Morgan et al. [50] | RCT (with 3 months follow-up post-program end) | 159 Overweight and obese adult men 18–65 years Australia | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The SHED-IT program was designed specifically for men | Individual-based Internet-based Paper-based | Body weight, BMI, WC, body composition (e.g., visceral fat), BP, RHR, PA, sedentary behaviors, dietary intake, food portion size, alcohol consumption, quality of life, and sleepiness | Self-help, Exercise, and Diet using Information Technology (SHED-IT) community trial included three groups: The SHED-IT resources group (provided with resources geared specifically toward men and based on social cognitive theory, including: a weight loss DVD, a weight loss handbook, a pedometer, a tape measure and a kilojoule counter book) The SHED-IT online group (received all of the same resources as the SHED-IT resource group, as well as a website directory, online food and exercise diaries, and 7 feedback e-mails about their online entries) Control group (no intervention until after the 6 months assessments) | 3 months | Changes in PA: Yes. Men in both intervention groups had significantly greater improvements in PA compared to those in the control group Other outcomes: Men in both the resources and the online treatment groups lost significantly more weight than men in the control group (3.2 and 4.2 kg more than control group, respectively). The weight loss difference between the resource and online group was not significant. Men in both intervention groups had a significant decrease in BMI, SBP, WC, visceral fat, alcohol consumption, and significantly greater improvements in quality of life compared to those in the control group. The reduction in WC was greater for the online group than the resources group. Differences in all other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between intervention groups |
Morgan et al. [49] | RCT (with 7 weeks follow-up post-program end) | 93 (18–65 years) overweight or obese fathers (average BMI 32.5) and 132 school aged children Australia | Social cognitive theory and family systems theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program drew on men’s motivation to be healthy role models for their children, and the program included gender sensitive messages and materials | Group-based Telephone-based Face-to-face | Fathers body weight, WC, BMI, RHR, BP, and sitting time | HDHK participants were randomly assigned to be a part of either the intervention group or the control group. Fathers in the intervention group attended 7 group based sessions that were held weekly for 90 min per session. Four of these sessions were administered only to fathers and the remaining three sessions involved both the fathers and their children. The sessions were intended to teach fathers about how healthy eating and PA could be a good way for fathers to spend time with their children. Sessions involving children focused on PA | 7 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Increased fathers’ PA Other outcomes: Fathers in the intervention group lost significantly more weight and showed a significant decrease in WC and BMI compared to fathers in the control group. There was not a significant difference between the control group and the intervention group’s amount of sitting time or BP |
Morgan et al. [51] | RCT | 110 Overweight or obese men 18–65 years Australia | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The Workplace POWER program was based on the gender-sensitive SHED-IT program, modified to be more appropriate for male shift workers | Group-based Internet-based Print-based Face-to-face Workplace-based | Weight, WC, BMI, BP, RHR, PA and dietary variables, PA and dietary cognitions, level of PA, and dietary intake | The Workplace POWER program: Preventing Obesity Without Eating like a Rabbit (involved one 75 min information session delivered by a male researcher followed by a 3 months online component. Participants entered weight, eating and exercise data and received individualized feedback via email. Participants were also provided a weight loss handbook, website user guide, pedometer, and offered a group-based financial incentive) Control group (wait-list) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Yes. Significant treatment effect on PA reported Other outcomes: Significant treatment effects for weight, WC, BMI, SBP, RHR, PA and some PA cognitions No treatment effect for most dietary variables 28 % adherence to online component |
Morgan et al. [66]a
| RCT (with 3 and 9 months follow-ups post-program end) | 65 Overweight or obese men that were either students or staff members at the University of Newcastle 18–60 years Australia | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The SHED-IT program includes gender-sensitized materials | Individual-based Internet-based Face-to-face | BMI, WC, and BP | In the SHED-IT program participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control group (information presented face-to-face and in a weight loss booklet: no website access granted) The intervention group (one face-to-face session, weight loss booklet, and website access. The intervention group monitored their weight, amount of PA, and dietary intake online. The intervention group were allowed to post questions online which were answered on a weekly basis by one of the researchers) | 3 months | Changes in PA: Could not determine. In this intervention PA was not measured as an outcome Other outcomes: Both the intervention and control group lost weight from baseline to the 12 month follow up (amount not significant between groups). Improvement in BP and WC in both groups. SBP was improved significantly more in the intervention group than the control group. There was a significant, positive correlation between the amount of weight lost in the intervention group and the number of daily exercise entries made online. This relationship was present for weight, diet, and exercise entries |
Patrick et al. [52] | RCT | 441 Overweight and obese adult men 25–55 years United States | Social cognitive theory | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was tailored to men based on interviews with men’s weight loss experts and feedback on the program content from focus groups with men | Individual-based Internet-based | Weight, WC, BMI, diet, and PA | Weight loss intervention (participants received a computerized assessment to create recommendations for behavior change, weekly web-based learning activities, and weekly individualized feedback on their progress administered through the internet. The participants completed online assessments and set goals for change and their weekly progress was displayed graphically on the web site. Participants were also allowed to e-mail experts (e.g. a dietician) with any health related questions. The intervention group was given a pedometer to wear and encouraged to log their steps as well as PA minutes where they could not wear the pedometer) Control group (wait-list) | 1 year | Changes in PA: Reported walking was increased in the intervention group Other outcomes: No significant difference in BMI, WC or weight between the intervention and control groups after the 1 year intervention. The intervention group showed a positive change in dietary behavior (an increase in fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake) |
Pringle et al. [53] | Pre-post | 1,159 Adult men who were enrolled through advertising, promotional events, and outreach programs 18–44 years England | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program engaged men through football clubs and was delivered by health professionals with training specifically in men’s health promotion | Group-based Face-to-face | PA, diet, unemployment, and substance use | National men’s health program delivered by/in English Premier League (EPL) football clubs (the intervention included engaging in PA as a group (e.g. playing football) and health promotion. 16 football clubs participated in this study and there was no standardized intervention. Clubs based their intervention on a needs assessment for the community they were located in. Activities led by health trainers in each football club) | 3 months | Changes in PA: Yes. The men showed a significant increase in their level of PA. Other outcomes: There were also significant increases in fruits and vegetable intake. Further, men showed a significant decrease in their BMI, alcohol consumption, and sedentary time |
Sealey et al. [67] | Pre-post Pilot study | 24 Male supporters of a rugby league or rugby union club 35–65 years Australia | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was influenced by the FFIT program and was delivered at a rugby sporting club | Group-based Face-to-face | Physical and mental health, BMI, and WC | Pilot intervention (Week 1: introduction and baseline data collection, Week 2–11: 45 min exercise session and 45 min educational session once/week, Week 12: motivational session. Exercise sessions were supervised by Sport and Exercise Science University students and included a warm up, brisk walk, circuit exercises, and cool down. Educational sessions were interactive and included content on men’s health issues. Participants were also provided with a pedometer, tape measure, and step diary and were encouraged to exercise individually for at least 30 min/day) | 12 weeks | Changes in PA: Could not determine Other outcomes: No significant improvement in healthy lifestyle knowledge Significant reduction in WC and improvement in physical and mental health in both the rugby league and rugby union club groups. Significant changes in BMI were seen only in the rugby league group Results from focus group sessions post-intervention indicated various health and lifestyle improvements in participants Change in body composition for half of participants resulted in a decreased risk of disease |
Werkman et al. [60] | RCT (with 1 year follow-up post-program end) | 415 recent retirees (352 male) 55–65 years The Netherlands | No | Co-ed | Individual-based Print-based Internet- based Face-to-face | Body weight, BMI, WC, arm, hip, thigh, and calf circumference, abdominal sagittal diameter, body fat, SBP, DBP, PA, and dietary intake | Energy balance program (aimed at small and sustained PA/diet changes, 5 program modules, including toolbox with information, pedometer and waist tape, CD-ROMs with tailored feedback on BMI, PA, and diet, study website and online forums, interactive weight maintenance program, and general newsletters) Control group (general newsletters and general study information) | 1 year | Changes in PA: No. PA improved from baseline, but intervention group was not significantly different than control Other outcomes: Decreased WC, weight, BMI, SBP, DBP and improved PA and dietary behavior from baseline to follow-up. The beneficial effects were seen to a greater extent in intervention group, compared to controls, but between group differences were not statistically significant However, among participants with a lower level of education, WC and fat intake were significantly decreased at 12 month follow-up compared to control group |
Zwolinsky et al. [54] | Pre-post | 130 men that were recruited to participate through unemployment agencies, community centers that provided services to people who are considered to have a low socioeconomic status, and drug rehabilitation centers 18+ years England | No | Male-only sample and male-centered approach The program was delivered through English Premier League football/soccer clubs | Group-based Face-to-face | Diet, PA, alcohol intake, and smoking cessation | The intervention consisted of weekly free classes (composed of 1 h of exercise, health checks and behavioral counselling meant to improve the participants self-monitoring. This was supplemented with health seminars that were intended to increase knowledge about the risks associated with unhealthy behaviors) | 12 weeks | Change in PA: Yes Other outcomes: 19 % of men changed one health behavior, 35 % of men changed two health behaviors, and 67 % of men changed 2 or more health behaviors. Diet and PA were the two primary lifestyle behaviors that were improved upon by men. It was shown that men who were employed were five times more likely to increase their level of PA at the 12-week follow up. Further, if the participant improved their diet they were twice as likely to increase their PA to over 150 min of exercise a week |