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Dean NA, Bundon A, Howe PD, Abele N. "It Looks Good on Paper, But It Was Never Meant to Be Real": Mixed-Gender Events in the Paralympic Movement. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2024; 41:205-228. [PMID: 37890836 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2022-0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the Paralympic Games have been around for over 60 years, women remain underrepresented in almost all aspects of the Paralympic Movement. It has been suggested that a way to increase women's involvement is through the implementation of mixed-gender events. On paper, this approach makes sense. However, when it comes to the implementation of mixed-gender opportunities for women, it is less clear how effective these events are in increasing participation by women in Para sport. Through document analysis and interviews with athletes and organizers of mixed-gender Paralympic sport, we explore the various strategies that four mixed-gender sports have used to address the issue of gender parity. Using critical feminist theories, we illustrate how larger social, political, and cultural ideas about gender influence women's experiences within these events and discuss the potential of using mixed-gender initiatives to address gender parity within the Paralympic Movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus A Dean
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrea Bundon
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - P David Howe
- School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie Abele
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Sharp T, Grandou C, Coutts AJ, Wallace L. Exploring subjective responses in high-intensity multimodal training: an online cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073659. [PMID: 37709335 PMCID: PMC10503379 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise enjoyment in high-intensity multimodal training (HIMT) in current and previous HIMT participants and identify factors associated with HIMT that mediate exercise enjoyment and motivation. DESIGN AND SETTING A 124-item web-based survey was distributed to a cross-sectional voluntary convenience sample from August to the end of September 2021. PARTICIPANTS Global current and previous HIMT participants. RESULTS The final sample included 469 responses (completion rate: 61.6%). Among eligible respondents (n=434), 379 were current HIMT participants, 55 were previous HIMT participants. Current participants demonstrated high enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale). The most frequently reported reasons for increased enjoyment and motivation to continue HIMT in current participants included (1) it keeps me fit, (2) training in a group and (3) variety in a session. The most frequently reported reasons for reduced motivation to continue HIMT among previous HIMT participants included (1) other (injury, COVID-19 restrictions, low motivation, personal preferences), (2) work commitments and (3) I started another type of sport, exercise or training. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that HIMT is an enjoyable training method among current participants. The most commonly reported reasons for increased enjoyment and motivation were associated with the combined training method and the group environment. Reasons for reduced motivation to continue HIMT among previous HIMT participants may be related to commonly reported barriers to exercise and personal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Sharp
- Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Human Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clementine Grandou
- Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Human Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aaron J Coutts
- Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Human Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lee Wallace
- Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, Human Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, New South Wales, Australia
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Smith M, Mark R, Nette H, Rhodes RE. Correlates and participation in community-based exercise programming for cancer patients before and during COVID-19. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:319. [PMID: 37148447 PMCID: PMC10163572 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07725-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 pandemic restrictions ceased the opportunity for face-to-face group exercise classes with at risk populations, such as cancer patients, forcing an adaptation to online exercise programming. The purpose of this study was to compare the attendance rates and correlates of face-to-face exercise programming pre-COVID-19 to online programming delivered during the first year of pandemic restrictions. METHOD The sample was comprised from 1189 patient records between 2018 and 2021. Data analysis was based around the three primary research questions: (i) whether the volume of attendance in online exercise programming differed from the previous face-to-face programming; (ii) whether there were any differences in attendee demographics between online and face-to-face classes; and (iii) whether there were specific correlates of online attendance that can inform future exercise programming. RESULTS Class attendance increased significantly when online exercise classes were introduced during the first year of the pandemic when compared to face-to-face attendance the prior years (p < .01). Multiple demographic findings were also observed including age, gender, and geographic differences. CONCLUSION While COVID-19 has effected the ability to deliver face-to-face exercise programs for cancer patients, online programming has proved a promising delivery model with greater geographical reach. The approach, however, has gender and age differences in program attendance so targeted programming to reach specific cancer patient demographics may need attention. These results add to the continuing research in the area of online exercise and online programming strategies offering an effective option for cancer patients to achieve targeted exercise prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Smith
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Rachel Mark
- Radiant Health, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Radiant Effect, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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Mahmood A, Nayak P, Deshmukh A, English C, N M, Solomon M J, B U. Measurement, determinants, barriers, and interventions for exercise adherence: A scoping review. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2023; 33:95-105. [PMID: 36775533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to exercise interventions is the cornerstone of a successful rehabilitation program. However, there is limited evidence on multifaceted components of exercise adherence. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the existing literature on measurement, determinants, barriers, theoretical frameworks, and evidence-based interventions that support exercise adherence. METHODS We conducted a scoping review based on the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews guidelines and searched the literature in PubMed, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened articles. The included articles were subjected to data extraction and qualitative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 72 articles were included for this review. Data synthesis showed that there are no gold standard methods of measuring exercise adherence; however, questionnaires and daily logs are commonly used tools. The determinants of adherence are personal, disease-related, therapy-related, provider-related, and health system-related. The common barriers to adherence are the absence of a caregiver, low health literacy, poor communication by healthcare providers, cost, and lack of access to health facilities. Few evidence-based interventions used for supporting adherence are behavioral strategies, improving self-efficacy, motivational therapy, and mHealth or multimedia. CONCLUSION Non-adherence to exercises is a challenge for healthcare providers. There are no standard guidelines for the evaluation and management of non-adherence to exercises. Future studies should aim at developing objective measures of exercise adherence and investigate the long-term effects of adherence strategies in different disease populations. It is an under-researched area and requires multipronged strategies to improve adherence levels among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amreen Mahmood
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Birley Fields Campus, Bonsall Street, M15 6GX, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Pradeepa Nayak
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Birley Fields Campus, Bonsall Street, M15 6GX, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Anagha Deshmukh
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
| | - Coralie English
- School of Health Sciences and Priority Research, Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
| | - Manikandan N
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
| | - John Solomon M
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
| | - Unnikrishnan B
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
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Affuso O, Kinsey AW, Whitt-Glover MC, Segar M, Bowen P. Social Environments and Physical Activity Among Active Black Women. Am J Health Promot 2022; 36:1275-1283. [PMID: 35580614 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221102139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the social context of physical activity (PA) among active Black women, we examine the patterns of PA engagement and the benefits of social support in PA maintenance. DESIGN A cross-sectional study design and descriptive phenomenological approach were used to examine social support and lived experiences of active Black women. SETTING The study setting was an online survey of active Black women, ages 21 to 71 years who were recruited from across the United States. PARTICIPANTS This secondary data analysis was conducted among a sample of 187 active Black women who maintained PA for ≥6 months. The mean age was 41 ± 12.3 years, 83.4% completed some college, 37.7% were married, and 30.0% had children. MEASURES Participants self-reported 'with whom' they engaged in PA and provided qualitative responses about their strategies for PA maintenance. Descriptive statistics were used to examine between-group differences among demographic characteristics and PA variables by category of PA engagement using SAS 9.4. Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore social support themes across and within categories of PA engagement. RESULTS On average, the active Black women in this study reported engaging in 57.0 ± 18.9 minutes of moderate intensity leisure-time PA per session. Most engaged in PA alone (n = 87), with a group (n = 72), or with another individual (n = 28). Social context themes within categories included: alone - self-management, groups - motivation and accountability, family - values health, and friends - shared interests in PA. Subthemes across social context categories included: who? - people, what and how? - types of social support, and where? - place of social support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that some Black women may need added social support from others beyond family and friends, while other Black women may prefer additional self-management skills. Nonetheless, this study provides data for developing hypotheses about the mechanisms by which social context may facilitate PA maintenance among Black women. Therefore, intervention studies targeting PA maintenance among Black women should include an in-depth query of social support needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Affuso
- Department of Epidemiology, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Amber W Kinsey
- Division of Preventive Medicine, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Michelle Segar
- Sport, Health, and Activity Research and Policy Center, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pamela Bowen
- Department of Acute, Chronic, and Continuing Care, 9968University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Ji P, Zhou S, Wang R, Fan H, Wang Y. Subjective Exercise Experience and Group Cohesion among Chinese Participating in Square Dance: A Moderated Mediation Model of Years of Participation and Gender. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12978. [PMID: 36232277 PMCID: PMC9566402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between years of participation, subjective exercise experience, and group cohesion among gender-specific square dance practitioners. (2) Methods: The Subjective Exercise Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ) and Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) were used to evaluate Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and group cohesion (GC). An analysis was conducted on 130 Chinese (63 males and 67 females) using multiple group analysis within a structural equation model. (3) Results: (a) The positive aspects of Subjective Exercise Experience (SEE) and Positive Well-Being (PWB), had a strongly positive effect on GC in both groups. The negative aspects of SEE, Psychological Fatigue (PF), and Psychological Distress (PD), had negative effects on GC. (b) Only for the male group was there an indirect effect of participation years on the association between SEE and GC in the model (a × b = 0.062, 95% CI [0.001, 0.181]; standard error (SE) = 0.062, p = 0.048). (c) The significant differences between paths coefficients were noticed in the association of years of participation with SEE (t = -2.043) and GC (t = -1.962). (4) Conclusion: Based on these results, gender differences in terms of the partial mediating role of adherence in the relationship of SEE and GC were presented for future research, fitness popularization, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Ji
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shihan Zhou
- School of Art, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruohang Wang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongying Fan
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Art, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
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Budden T, Dimmock JA, Rosenberg M, Beauchamp MR, Fitzpatrick I, Jackson B. MAN v FAT Soccer: Feasibility Study and Preliminary Efficacy of a Sport-Based Weight-Loss Intervention for Overweight and Obese Men in Australia. JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 44:359-369. [PMID: 36049750 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2021-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
MAN v FAT Soccer is a sport-based weight-loss program for overweight and obese men that originated in the United Kingdom (i.e., as MAN v FAT Football) and appears to successfully engage men with weight loss. We sought to explore whether the program would work in an Australian context by (a) establishing a foundation for the implementation of the program on a larger scale and (b) determining how large-scale implementation is most feasible. We conducted a nonrandomized, single intervention group feasibility trial of MAN v FAT Soccer in Australia with 418 male participants with a body mass index greater than 27.50 kg/m2. Results indicate that the program is acceptable, with participants reporting positive perceptions of the various components of the program and a high proportion reporting intentions to recommend the program to others (95.9%). Furthermore, preliminary effectiveness results indicate positive changes in weight (4.6% reduction) and physical activity (88.5% increase) and improvements in psychological outcomes such as depression (17.6% decrease), stress (19.0% decrease), and body appreciation (19.1% increase). Our findings provide general support for the feasibility of MAN v FAT Soccer and the notion that leveraging competition and masculinity may help drive men's health behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Budden
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Perth, WA,Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA,Australia
| | - James A Dimmock
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA,Australia
- Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD,Australia
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Perth, WA,Australia
| | - Mark R Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,Canada
| | - Ian Fitzpatrick
- UWA Sport, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA,Australia
| | - Ben Jackson
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), University of Western Australia, Perth, WA,Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA,Australia
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The Effects of High-Intensity Multimodal Training in Apparently Healthy Populations: A Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35348924 PMCID: PMC8964907 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00434-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background High-intensity multimodal training (HIMT) is emerging as a popular training method that combines aerobic and resistance training throughout a single exercise session. The current literature is limited by a lack of terminology that broadly encompasses all styles of combined aerobic and resistance training. The magnitude of chronic or long-term (i.e. ≥ 4 weeks) effects of HIMT participation on aerobic and muscular fitness also remains unclear. Additionally, one of many complex reasons for the growing popularity of HIMT may be attributed to the affective response to exercise, namely levels of enjoyment. However, this concept is not yet well understood across all styles of HIMT. A comprehensive systematic review is required to synthesise the available literature and attempt to provide an operational definition of HIMT to capture the breadth of combined training styles that exist. Objective The objective of this systematic review was to determine the chronic effects of HIMT participation on aerobic and muscular fitness and to compare HIMT to established concurrent training methods. Enjoyability and other adherence-related subjective responses were also examined in HIMT participants. This review critically assessed the level of evidence and feasibility of current HIMT guidelines. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus to identify studies up until March 2021. Results A total of 20 studies were included for review. Studies generally reported moderate to large effects on aerobic fitness and subjective responses in favour of HIMT interventions. Mixed outcomes were demonstrated in muscular fitness. These results should be treated with caution due to high risk of bias among included studies. Conclusions Few studies have assessed the chronic effects of HIMT participation on aerobic, and musculoskeletal adaptations and subjective responses, in particular exercise enjoyment. Research conclusions are limited by heterogeneity of experimental protocols and outcome measures. Furthermore, the inability of the literature to make adequate comparisons between various styles of HIMT and other concurrent training protocols limits understandings of the efficacy of HIMT. Registration This systematic review was registered on the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/2RE4B; 26 March 2021). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-022-00434-x.
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Beauchamp MR, Hulteen RM, Ruissen GR, Liu Y, Rhodes RE, Wierts CM, Waldhauser KJ, Harden SH, Puterman E. Online-Delivered Group and Personal Exercise Programs to Support Low Active Older Adults' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e30709. [PMID: 34328433 PMCID: PMC8330630 DOI: 10.2196/30709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts in mental health science emphasized the importance of developing and evaluating approaches to support and maintain the mental health of older adults. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether a group-based exercise program relative to a personal exercise program (both delivered online) and waitlist control (WLC) can improve the psychological health of previously low active older adults during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The Seniors COVID-19 Pandemic and Exercise (SCOPE) trial was a 3-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial conducted between May and September 2020 in which low active older adults (aged ≥65 years) were recruited via media outlets and social media. After baseline assessments, consented participants were randomized to one of two 12-week exercise programs (delivered online by older adult instructors) or a WLC condition. A total of 241 older adults (n=187 women) provided baseline measures (via online questionnaires), were randomized (ngroup=80, npersonal=82, ncontrol=79), and completed measures every 2 weeks for the duration of the trial. The trial's primary outcome was psychological flourishing. Secondary outcomes included global measures of mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and depression symptoms. RESULTS The results of latent growth modeling revealed no intervention effects for flourishing, life satisfaction, or depression symptoms (P>.05 for all). Participants in the group condition displayed improved mental health relative to WLC participants over the first 10 weeks (effect size [ES]=0.288-0.601), and although the week 12 effect (ES=0.375) was in the same direction the difference was not statistically significant (P=.089). Participants in the personal condition displayed improved mental health, when compared with WLC participants, in the same medium ES range (ES=0.293-0.565) over the first 8 weeks, and while the effects were of a similar magnitude at weeks 10 (ES=0.455, P=.069) and 12 (ES=0.258, P=.353), they were not statistically significant. In addition, participants in the group condition displayed improvements in physical health when compared with the WLC (ES=0.079-0.496) across all 12 weeks of the study following baseline. No differences were observed between the personal exercise condition and WLC for physical health (slope P=.271). CONCLUSIONS There were no intervention effects for the trial's primary outcome (ie, psychological flourishing). It is possible that the high levels of psychological flourishing at baseline may have limited the extent to which those indicators could continue to improve further through intervention (ie, potential ceiling effects). However, the intervention effects for mental and physical health point to the potential capacity of low-cost and scalable at-home programs to support the mental and physical health of previously inactive adults in the COVID-19 pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04412343; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04412343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan M Hulteen
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Geralyn R Ruissen
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Colin M Wierts
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Samantha H Harden
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Eli Puterman
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Multi-Stakeholder Retrospective Acceptability of a Peer Support Intervention for Exercise Referral. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041720. [PMID: 33578966 PMCID: PMC7916654 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Perceived social support opportunities are central to successful exercise referral scheme (ERS) client experiences. However, there remains a lack of guidance on how ERSs can embed social support opportunities within their provision. This study presents retrospective acceptability findings from a 12-week social-identity-informed peer support intervention to enhance perceived social support among clients of an English ERS. Five peer volunteers were recruited, trained, and deployed in supervised ERS sessions across two sites. Peers assisted exercise referral officers (EROs) by providing supplementary practical, informational, motivational, and emotional support to ERS clients. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with peers (n = 4), EROs (n = 2), and clients (n = 5) and analysed thematically. The analysis identified three primary themes. The first theme detailed how EROs utilised peer volunteers to supplement the ERS client experience. This theme delineated peer roles within the ERS context and identified salient individual peer characteristics that contributed to their success. The second theme described peer acceptability among the various stakeholders. Peers were valued for their ability to reduce burden on EROs and to enhance perceptions of comfort among ERS clients. The final theme presented participant feedback regarding how the intervention may be further refined and enhanced. Peers represented a cost-effective and acceptable means of providing auxiliary social support to ERS clients. Moving forward, the structured integration of peers can improve the accessibility of social support among ERS participants, thus facilitating better rates of ERS completion.
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Budden T, Dimmock JA, Smith B, Beauchamp M, Rosenberg M, Jackson B. Overweight and obese men's experiences in a sport-based weight loss intervention for men. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2020; 50:101750. [PMID: 32834779 PMCID: PMC7324325 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In Western countries, such as Australia and the UK, a significantly greater proportion of men (relative to women) are overweight and obese, yet relatively few weight loss interventions have been developed that sufficiently target men. This lack of male-focused programming may be in part because 'traditional' weight loss programs are unappealing for what is considered a 'hard-to-reach' population. One program that appears to have such appeal for men is the MAN v FAT Football (MVFF) program, based out of the United Kingdom, which is designed for men with a body mass index of (or greater than) 27.5. MVFF encourages men's participation in a community-based weight loss program that incentivizes weight loss through participation in a football league, and since 2016 MVFF has supported the weight loss efforts of several thousand men. Using MVFF as an exemplar, our aim was to derive insight into how men experience a male-only competitive, sport-based weight loss program. We recruited twenty-seven players (Mage = 41.13, SD = 9.93), and ten coaches (Mage = 31.8, SD = 11.55) from program locations throughout the United Kingdom. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, we identified several appraisal aspects of the program that players and coaches considered important, including the appeal of sport, competition on a level playing field, being part of a team, camaraderie, accountability, men sharing issues with other men, gender-sensitized environment, likeminded and similar men, and perceptions that traditional weight loss programs are tailored towards women. Player experiences (i.e., competence and enjoyment) and functional supports in the program (e.g., player handbook, weight loss coach) were reported to drive outcomes of effective weight loss and program retention. Interventions aiming to target men may be more successful working with rather than against formulations of identity such as masculinities, and this can be achieved by tailoring program content (e.g., messaging), settings (e.g., among men sharing similar characteristics such as body-type or goals), and mode of delivery (e.g., through organized sports, and leveraging competition to drive healthy behaviours).
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Budden
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - James A. Dimmock
- Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Australia
| | - Brett Smith
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael Rosenberg
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben Jackson
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Ruissen GR, Liu Y, Schmader T, Lubans DR, Harden SM, Wolf SA, Rhodes RE, Dunlop WL, Puterman E, Zumbo BD, Beauchamp MR. Effects of Group-Based Exercise on Flourishing and Stigma Consciousness among Older Adults: Findings from a Randomised Controlled Trial. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2020; 12:559-583. [PMID: 32149456 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the extent to which group-based exercise programs, informed by self-categorisation theory, result in improvements in psychological flourishing and reductions in age- and gender-related stigma consciousness among older adults. METHODS In the study, older adults (N = 485, ≥ 65 years) were randomised to similar age same gender (SASG), similar age mixed gender (SAMG), or "standard" mixed age mixed gender (MAMG) group-based exercise programs. Flourishing and stigma consciousness were assessed on six occasions during the 24-week intervention and represented secondary trial outcomes. Multilevel growth models examined the effects of the interventions on flourishing and stigma consciousness over time. RESULTS Participants in the SASG and SAMG conditions demonstrated, on average, higher levels of flourishing, relative to the MAMG condition, over the course of the 24 weeks (p < .05). Additionally, participants demonstrated lower levels of age- and gender-related stigma consciousness in both the SASG and SAMG conditions relative to the MAMG condition (p < .05). No time by group interaction effects were observed for either flourishing or stigma consciousness. CONCLUSIONS The results provide some support for the utility of group exercise programs, informed by self-categorisation theory, to enhance psychological flourishing and reduce stigma consciousness among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Liu
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eli Puterman
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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