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Rugby Fans in Training New Zealand (RUFIT NZ): a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle program for overweight men delivered through professional rugby clubs.
- Source :
- International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity; 3/28/2023, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p1-16, 16p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: A healthy lifestyle program that appeals to, and supports, overweight and obese New Zealand (NZ) European, Māori (indigenous) and Pasifika men to achieve weight loss is urgently needed. A pilot program inspired by the successful Football Fans in Training program but delivered via professional rugby clubs in NZ (n = 96) was shown to be effective in weight loss, adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese men. A full effectiveness trial is now needed. Aims: To determine the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Rugby Fans In Training-NZ (RUFIT-NZ) on weight loss, fitness, blood pressure, lifestyle change, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) at 12- and 52-weeks. Methods: We conducted a pragmatic, two-arm, multi-center, randomized controlled trial in NZ with 378 (target 308) overweight and obese men aged 30–65 years, randomized to an intervention group or wait-list control group. The 12-week RUFIT-NZ program was a gender-sensitised, healthy lifestyle intervention delivered through professional rugby clubs. Each intervention session included: i) a 1-h workshop-based education component focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, sedentary behavior, and learning evidence-based behavior change strategies for sustaining a healthier lifestyle; and 2) a 1-h group-based, but individually tailored, exercise training session. The control group were offered RUFIT-NZ after 52-weeks. The primary outcome was change in body weight from baseline to 52-weeks. Secondary outcomes included change in body weight at 12-weeks, waist circumference, blood pressure, fitness (cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal), lifestyle behaviors (leisure-time physical activity, sleep, smoking status, and alcohol and dietary quality), and health-related quality of life at 12- and 52-weeks. Results: Our final analysis included 200 participants (intervention n = 103; control n = 97) who were able to complete the RUFIT-NZ intervention prior to COVID-19 restrictions. At 52-weeks, the adjusted mean group difference in weight change (primary outcome) was -2.77 kg (95% CI -4.92 to -0.61), which favored the intervention group. The intervention also resulted in favorable significant differences in weight change and fruit and vegetable consumption at 12-weeks; and waist circumference, fitness outcomes, physical activity levels, and health-related quality of life at both 12 and 52 weeks. No significant intervention effects were observed for blood pressure, or sleep. Incremental cost-effective ratios estimated were $259 per kg lost, or $40,269 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Conclusion: RUFIT-NZ resulted in sustained positive changes in weight, waist circumference, physical fitness, self-reported physical activity, selected dietary outcomes, and health-related quality of life in overweight/obese men. As such, the program should be recommended for sustained delivery beyond this trial, involving other rugby clubs across NZ. Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000069156. Registered 18 January 2019, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376740 Universal Trial Number, U1111-1245–0645. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PREVENTION of obesity
RESEARCH
SEDENTARY lifestyles
EVALUATION of medical care
PROFESSIONAL sports
EVALUATION of human services programs
BODY weight
PHYSICAL fitness centers
TIME
NUTRITION
SELF-evaluation
PHYSICAL training & conditioning
PHYSICAL fitness
HEALTH status indicators
RUGBY football
PHYSICAL activity
SLEEP
HEALTH behavior
WEIGHT loss
RESEARCH funding
COST effectiveness
QUALITY of life
WAIST circumference
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
SPORTS events
ATHLETIC ability
DATA analysis software
BEHAVIOR modification
HEALTH promotion
ADULT education workshops
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14795868
- Volume :
- 20
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 162728302
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-022-01395-w