The effect of a program to improve men’s sedentary time and physical activity: The European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) randomized controlled trial

Background Reducing sitting time as well as increasing physical activity in inactive people is beneficial for their health. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the European Fans in Training (EuroFIT) program to improve physical activity and sedentary time in male football fans delivered through the professional football setting. Methods and Findings 1113 men aged 30-65 with self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2) took part in a randomized controlled trial in fifteen professional football clubs in England, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. Recruitment was between September 19, 2015 and February 2, 2016. Participants consented to study procedures and provided usable activity monitor baseline data. They were randomized, stratified by club, to either the EuroFIT intervention or a 12-month waiting list comparison group. Follow-up measurement was post-programme and 12 months after baseline. EuroFIT is a 12-week, group-based, program delivered by coaches in football club stadia in 12 weekly 90-minute sessions. Weekly sessions aimed to improve physically active, sedentary time, diet and maintain changes long term. A pocket-worn device (SitFIT) allowed self-monitoring of sedentary time and daily steps and a game-based app (MatchFIT) encouraged between session social support. Primary outcome (objectively measured sedentary time and physical activity) measurements were obtained for 83% and 85% of intervention and comparison participants. Intention to treat analyses showed a baseline-adjusted mean difference in sedentary time at 12 months of -1.6 minutes/day (97.5%CI -14.3 to 11.0; p=0.77), and in step counts of 678 steps/day (97.5%CI 309 to 1048; p