Aussie Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT): Feasibility trial of a health improvement program for men with cardiovascular disease

Aussie-FIT is a program designed to promote physical activity (PA), weight loss and healthy living among middle-aged men in Australia, using the context of AFL. Aussie-FIT is based upon the existing, successful FFIT program (developed in Scotland). Aussie-FIT is tailored to engage males via delivery in the AFL context by coaches associated with the clubs, taking into account any salient cultural differences in the relationship between masculinity and health. The original FFIT program was developed by a team of experts in obesity, PA, community-based programs, gender and health, and delivery of men’s weight management programs. Aligned with the original FFIT, Aussie-FIT will be gender-sensitive and will aim to support participants to change their eating habits and food consumed (based on estimated weight maintenance requirements according to age, gender and body weight). The targeted strategies will include portion control, reduction of sugary drinks and energy dense foods, reduction in alcohol consumption, and a gradual increase in moderate PA that is initiated in the club setting but readily incorporated into daily lives to maximise sustainability of lifestyle changes (see Gray et al., 2013, for additional detail on intervention features and rationale). The target population for this intervention is designed for men with a history of Cardiovascular disease. Unlike previous Aussie-Fit and FFIT interventions, the educational process will place greater emphasis on increasing PA as behaviour change over weight loss. Four community coaches will be recruited to take the role of Aussie-FIT program tutors. The coaches will ideally be coaching personnel who usually deliver the clubs’ community programs and they will be selected on the basis of recommendations from our key contacts at each club, as well as their interest and enthusiasm for the role and relevant experience. 12, weekly, 90-minute sessions will be delivered to groups of ~18 men. Coaches will be trained by the research team in the core content (PA and diet education), and in the use of principles of motivation and behaviour change. Practical activities and discussions help men understand why and how to improve diet (e.g., interpreting food labels, portion sizes, meal planning, eating out) and PA habits (e.g., understanding exercise intensities, safe strength training, decreasing sedentary time), and incorporate behavior change techniques to put the recommendations into practice. PA activities will promote activity of a range of PA intensities, and ball skills and circuit training similar to that undertaken by AFL players, but modified to be safe for each man’s limitations (e.g., ball skill drills restricted to walking). Men are encouraged to self-monitor walking, gradually increasing steps/day throughout the 12-weeks. Activity monitors will be handed out in week one (1), when participants will be fully briefed in how to wear and use the devices. Attendance records will be used to monitor adherence to the intervention.