Key result
Lower weight and positive affect predict more steps in men with obesity but not activity changes.
Why the study?
The effectiveness of physical activity programmes can vary among men, and individual and socio-psychological characteristics may influence physical activity levels prior to and during behaviour change programmes.
Do individual and socio-psychological characteristics predict baseline physical activity and changes in physical activity among men with overweight and obesity participating in a 12-week weight management program?
Observational (n=109)
Do individual and socio-psychological characteristics predict baseline physical activity and changes in physical activity among men with overweight and obesity participating in a 12-week weight management program?
Baseline weight and positive affect predict initial step counts in men with overweight and obesity entering a weight management program, but individual and socio-psychological characteristics do not predict changes in physical activity during the program.
Baseline traits may flag initial activity levels but should not guide program tailoring; leaves open predictors of change in obese men.
Background: Sufficient physical activity (PA) is important to reduce the risk of men developing chronic diseases and to improve mental health. The effectiveness of PA programmes can vary, however, among men. Individual and socio-psychological characteristics may affect the level of men’s PA before starting a behaviour change programme as well as changes in PA during the programme. Aims: The primary objective of this study was to examine the role of individual and socio-psychological characteristics in predicting men’s (a) accelerometer-assessed PA (step count and moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA]) upon presentation to a behaviour change programme and (b) changes in PA (step count and MVPA) during a behaviour change programme. Methods: A total of 109 men (mean age = 45.5 years, SD = 7.8 years, mean body mass index = 34.5 kg/m 2 , SD = 5.1 kg/m 2 ) who participated in the Australian Fans in Training 3-month PA and dietary behaviour change programme in 2018 participated in this study. Before and after completing the 12-week programme, men completed assessments including individual (age, weight) and socio-psychological (psychological needs support, psychological needs satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect) characteristics. We used regression analysis to examine the relationship between these variables and PA. Results: At baseline, men’s weight (β = –.36, p < .001) and positive affect (β = .29, p < .01) were significant predictors of step count. At baseline, men’s weight (β = –.21, p < .05) and negative affect (β = .23, p < .05) were significant predictors of MVPA, though the overall model did not display statistical significance. The overall regression models did not significantly predict changes in either step count or MVPA pre- to post-programme. Conclusion: The influence of weight and positive and negative affect in predicting PA outcomes suggests that tailoring men’s health behaviour change interventions to individual circumstances and needs could enhance their effectiveness for some men.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Smith et al. (2024) conducted an observational in Overweight and obesity (n=109). Aussie Fans in Training programme was evaluated on Accelerometer-assessed physical activity (step count and MVPA) at baseline and changes during the programme. Baseline weight (β = –.36, p < .001) and positive affect (β = .29, p < .01) significantly predicted step count in men with obesity, but overall models did not predict changes in physical activity.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: