Introduction Walk-and-talk therapy integrates psychological support and physical activity conducted in outdoor environments, and has potential to better align with men’s preferences and masculine norms around emotional communication. Conventional indoor psychotherapy is effective for treating depression but can be less engaging for men, leading to less satisfaction and high rates of dropout. This trial aims to determine whether walk-and-talk therapy offers men with depressive symptoms clinically meaningful benefits over conventional indoor therapy. Methods and analysis This assessor-blinded, parallel group randomised controlled trial is comparing the efficacy of walk-and-talk therapy to conventional indoor therapy for men with depressive symptoms. After randomisation, all participants receive 10 fortnightly 1-hour individual psychotherapy sessions over 20 weeks as either: (1) conventional indoor therapy (sitting down indoors) or (2) walk-and-talk therapy (walking outdoors). Participants are assessed at ‘pre-intervention’ (baseline), ‘post-intervention’ (5 months post baseline) and ‘follow-up’ (12 months post baseline) time points. The primary outcome is change in overall psychological distress (21-item version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)) at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include male-type depression symptoms, mental well-being, suicidal ideation and quality of life. Costing data is being collected for cost-effectiveness analysis. Linear mixed models will be used to examine the impact of group (conventional indoor vs walk-and-talk), time (baseline, 5-month and 12-month) and the group-by-time interaction for primary and secondary outcomes. Ethics and dissemination This study is approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2024-0090). Results will be published in an open access peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through conference presentations. Trial registration number ACTRN12624000794505.

BackgroundMen's mental health continues to be a significant health challenge in Australia. Traditional mental health supports may not suit some men's preferences, communication styles and lived experiences, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Podcasts offer a flexible, accessible format that may align with these preferences.ObjectiveThis study examines men's preferences for gender-tailored podcast-based mental health support and podcast listening habits.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey of 150 Australian men aged 18-70 years was conducted via Prolific. The survey assessed podcast listening habits, preferred podcast formats and mental health content preferences. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst qualitative responses were coded using qualitative description.ResultsMost participants (71%, n = 107) listened to podcasts monthly, with YouTube and Spotify as preferred platforms. Interest in a gender-tailored mental health podcast was high (83%, n = 125), increasing to 89% (n = 98) amongst men with higher distress. Preferences varied across formats and content, with strong interest in lived experience narratives, psychologists and research experts. Six content categories were identified: coping strategies, mental health literacy, specific mental health conditions, social connection, masculinity and mental health and lived experience narratives. Many men reported listening during periods of low cognitive load (e.g., chores, exercise or commuting).ConclusionPodcasts represent a promising, low-barrier platform for engaging men in mental health dialogue. Tailoring content to men's preferences, through relatable storytelling, practical advice and flexible formats, may enhance engagement and mental health literacy. These findings can be used to inform future codesigned, gender-responsive digital health tools for men.

Background: Many Australian men face mental health challenges yet often avoid therapy, which has low uptake and high dropout rates. Podcasts offer a flexible, self-directed alternative that may enhance mental health literacy and engagement. Methods: cross-sectional survey of 150 Australian men (18-70 years) assessed acceptability and preference for two types of mental health support: psychotherapy versus podcast-based support. Multivariate and logistic regression models identified predictors of acceptability and preference. Qualitative responses explaining preferences were analysed descriptively. Results: Therapy was rated more acceptable (M = 2.3, SD = 0.9) than podcasts (M = 1.7, SD = 0.9), with 72% preferring therapy, 19% podcasts, and 9% reporting no preference. Therapy acceptability was higher among men with greater distress (Partial i2 = .06) but lower among those with strong attitudinal barriers (Partial i2 = .15). Podcasts were rated more acceptable by older men (Partial i2 = .04), higher distress (Partial i2 = .05), and regular podcast listeners (Partial i2 = .08). Podcast preference was strongly associated with regular listening (OR = 30.99, 95% CI [4.40, 218.44]), high SES (OR = 25.70, 95% CI [1.98, 333.61]), and stronger attitudinal barriers (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.12, 1.52]). Qualitative feedback highlighted therapy's personalisation, while podcasts were valued for flexibility. Conclusion: While therapy was preferred, podcasts were acceptable among some cohorts of men, suggesting podcasts could be a useful alternative support tool.

BACKGROUND:Historically, men have been underrepresented in behavioral weight loss intervention research, despite facing higher risks for obesity-related diseases. Understanding this underrepresentation is critical for designing weight loss interventions that are both inclusive and effective. OBJECTIVES:The primary aim of this systematic review is to (1) examine the proportion of men participating in behavioral weight loss trials. Secondary research questions include (2) how often men are targeted as the primary population; (3) whether certain trial characteristics are associated with higher or lower male participation; and (4) in trials where men are underrepresented (< 40% of participants), how often researchers acknowledge this limitation or discuss implications for generalizability. METHODS:A systematic search of SCOPUS, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE was conducted for randomized trials published in English between January 2010 and December 2022. Eligible studies recruited adults (≥ 18 years) into behavioral weight loss interventions using a randomized controlled design. Study characteristics associated with men's participation were examined using t-tests and ANOVAs. RESULTS:Of 57,497 participants across 257 trials, only 30% were men. Overall, 21% of studies recruited women only (n = 54) compared to 5% that recruited men only (n = 14). Men's participation was higher in trials targeting adults with a co-occurring physical condition (36% vs. 28%). Of 189 trials recruiting both men and women, 76% recruited < 40% men, but only one-third of these papers acknowledged this as a limitation. CONCLUSION:Men remain underrepresented in behavioral weight loss trials. To overcome this, strategies to improve men's uptake of existing interventions are needed, alongside the development of codesigned gender-tailored approaches.

ABSTRACT While psychotherapy is effective for treating depression, men are less likely than women to attend and more likely to drop out. The value of alternative therapeutic approaches for men needs to be investigated. In this randomised pilot trial, we investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of outdoor ‘walk‐and‐talk’ therapy compared to conventional indoor therapy for 37 men with low mood (mean [SD] PHQ‐9 score = 11.4 [5.0]; mean [SD] age = 44.1 [15.8] years). Over 6 weeks at the University of Newcastle participants received weekly 60‐min sessions delivered (i) while walking along a 4‐km route on campus or (ii) indoors in a psychology clinic, delivered by provisional psychologists using non‐directive supportive counselling. Outcomes included validated measures of depression, anxiety, stress and overall psychological distress, male‐type depression, mental well‐being, behavioural activation and therapeutic alliance. At post‐intervention, all pre‐registered feasibility benchmarks were exceeded including recruitment capability, retention (89%), average attendance (walk‐and‐talk: 91%, indoor: 89%), proportion of sessions delivered in intended setting (walk‐and‐talk: 100%, indoor: 98%) and overall perceived acceptability of the therapy (walk‐and‐talk: 4.4/5, indoor: 4.2/5, where 1 = poor and 5 = excellent ). Linear mixed model analysis demonstrated both groups achieved similar improvements in depressive symptoms ( d = −0.02), but the walk‐and‐talk group reported greater improvements in overall psychological distress ( d = −0.5), anxiety ( d = −0.4) and stress ( d = −0.7). In contrast, male‐type depression improved more in the conventional indoor group ( d = 0.6). Other outcomes were comparable between groups. Results indicate that walk‐and‐talk therapy may be acceptable and effective for men with depression. A powered trial to interrogate these effects and identify moderators of effectiveness is warranted. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12622001318774.

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of poor mental and physical health in adults is a global health concern. Given the scope of this problem, scalable and effective treatment interventions are needed. While podcasts (online digital audio files) are becoming more popular, the extent of podcast use in mental, physical, or combined health interventions has not been reviewed. ObjectiveThis scoping review primarily aims to summarize the available evidence regarding the use of podcasts in health promotion interventions. A series of 5 research questions was designed to systematically review and accurately represent podcast use in current research interventions. MethodsWe conducted a search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and CENTRAL), gray literature articles, and relevant journals reported in the English language. Eligible studies targeted adults (aged ≥18 y), included a podcast in at least 1 intervention, and measured a mental or physical health outcome. ResultsOverall, 51 articles (published studies: n=26, 51% and gray literature articles: n=25, 49%) were deemed eligible. In total, 58% (15/26) of the included peer-reviewed studies were published in the last 5 years, suggesting that the use of podcasts as an intervention approach is increasing. On average, 85.6% (n=2104) of the participants included in these research studies were women. In total, 31% (8/26) of the studies contained a female-only sample. In contrast, no research studies contained a male-only sample. Most peer-reviewed published studies (19/26, 73%) and gray literature sources (22/25, 88%) of the podcasts were used within multicomponent interventions, with most targeting physical health outcomes (peer-reviewed publications: 14/26, 54% and gray literature sources: 13/25, 52%). Results pertaining to podcast design, sources, theoretical principles, and thorough process evaluation indicators were heterogeneous. ConclusionsThe versatility that podcasts can offer as a medium for reaching and engaging with participants and end users was evident in this scoping review. While research using podcasts is growing, many (18/26, 69%) studies included in this scoping review were conducted in the United States and sampled female participants, highlighting the need to diversify the field. As expected, there was a high level of variation across the included studies in relation to how podcasts were used and designed within interventions. To address this, a standardized approach would be valuable in guiding researchers and practitioners through both the development and reporting phases of future podcast research, including aspects such as theoretical framework, a description of podcast development (eg, co-design and end-user engagement), objective podcast use, and process evaluation data.

Introduction Several barriers can preclude people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from in-person exercise session participation. Telehealth may be an alternative mode of service delivery to increase uptake. We evaluated the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of delivering group exercise via telehealth for people with T2D.Methods Sixteen people with T2D (age 59.9 +/- 12.7 years, 63% male, duration of T2D 11.5 +/- 11.1 years) underwent an 8-week telehealth-delivered group exercise intervention. Weekly supervised sessions incorporated whole-body aerobic and resistance exercises, followed by education. Feasibility was evaluated by recruitment, enrolment, attendance and attrition rates, the practicality of telehealth delivery, and participant feedback. Adverse events were monitored throughout (safety). Preliminary efficacy was determined from changes in glycaemic control, body composition, blood pressure, exercise capacity, neuromuscular strength/fitness, quality of life and physical activity levels. The agreement/reliability of in-person clinician-measured versus telehealth-supervised participant-self-measured assessments was also evaluated.Results Feasibility was supported by high attendance (97.1%) and low attrition (81%). All (100%) participants reported they would participate in telehealth-delivered exercise interventions in the future and would recommend them to other people with T2D. No serious adverse events were reported. There were improvements in hip circumference (Cohen's d -0.50), diastolic blood pressure (-0.75), exercise capacity (1.72), upper body strength (1.14), grip strength (0.58), health-related quality of life (0.76-0.81) and self-reported physical activity (1.14). Participant-self-measured assessment of body weight, 2-min step test and 30-sec sit-to-stand test were deemed acceptable.Discussion Telehealth-delivered group exercise appears feasible, safe and efficacious for people with T2D. These findings warrant further exploration in a powered trial.Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000379718).

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Delivery of group-based tele-exercise is an emerging treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but best practice is not yet understood. We evaluated the results and experiential insights of a pilot study investigating this model of care. METHODS Sixteen people with T2D (age 58.7±12.6, 63% male, duration of T2D 10.0±8.4years) underwent an 8-week tele-exercise intervention. Participants were assessed at baseline (in-person and via telehealth; results compared using intra-class correlations coefficients) and post-intervention (in-person only). The program was delivered in groups of 3-5, by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist using Zoom. Sessions were held once weekly and incorporated whole-body aerobic and resistance exercise (45min) and health behaviour change education (15min), reflecting the structure of Medicare-subsidised group exercise physiology sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain participant and clinician feedback. Adverse events were monitored throughout. RESULTS The intervention demonstrated efficacy, with improvements in HbA1c (mean change -0.3±0.5%), fasting glucose (-0.8±0.8mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (-6.4±8.4mmHg), waist circumference (-0.8±4.2cm), muscular strength (30sec sit-to-stand score 1.6±2.9; 30sec bicep curl score 5.6±3.0) and fitness (2min step test score 24.5±11.9). Clients could reliably self-assess outcomes such as waist circumference (ICC 0.98, 95%CI 0.95-0.99), 30sec sit-to-stand (0.94, 0.82-0.98), and 2min step test (0.96, 0.87-0.99) when supervised by the clinician via telehealth, negating the need for in-person consults. No serious adverse events were reported. Key experiential insights include 1) Technological issues were minimised by providing clients with a guide for using Zoom, and conducting individual Zoom familiarisation sessions, prior to program start. 2) Client confidentiality could be managed by using breakout rooms for private conversations. 3) Creative exercise selection (e.g., TheraBand anchor points, non-traditional equipment) allowed participants to envision exercising in their home, which assisted in self-management. CONCLUSION This study contributes practical insights to optimise the delivery of group-based tele-exercise interventions to people with T2

The primary aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of resistance training on academic outcomes in school-aged youth. We conducted a systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE) with no date restrictions. Studies were eligible if they: (a) included school-aged youth (5–18 years), and (b) examined the effect of resistance training on academic outcomes (i.e., cognitive function, academic achievement, and/or on-task behaviour in the classroom). Risk of bias was assessed using the appropriate Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools, funnel plots and Egger’s regression asymmetry tests. A structural equation modelling approach was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Fifty-three studies were included in our systematic review. Participation in resistance training (ten studies with 53 effect sizes) had a small positive effect on the overall cognitive, academic and on-task behaviours in school-aged youth (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.19, 95

Background: The SHED-IT: Recharge study demonstrated that a gender-tailored eHealth program could improve the depressive symptoms of men with overweight or obesity and low mood. This study examined whether changes in key behaviours and cognitions acted as significant mediators of this treatment effect. Methods: The study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) including 125 men with overweight or obesity (mean (SD) weight 103.8 (15.8) kg), and current depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) >= 5; mean (SD) 9.2 (4.1) units). Assessments were held at baseline, 3 months (post-intervention), and 6 months (follow-up). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated PHQ-9 and Masculine Depressive Risk Scale (MDRS-22). Behavioural and cognitive mediators were assessed with validated measures. Intention-to-treat mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Results: Single mediation analyses demonstrated that the intervention effect on both PHQ-9 and MDRS-22 scores was significantly mediated by changes in MVPA, energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, cognitive flexibility, and behavioural activation. In addition, changes in sleep quality mediated improvements in MDRS-22 scores. No mediation effects were observed for light physical activity, sedentary behaviour, fruit and vegetable intake, risky alcohol consumption or mindfulness. Limitations: The study was a secondary analysis with power to detect moderate-to-large mediation effects only. Conclusion: To prevent or treat depression in men with overweight or obesity, early evidence suggests MVPA, sleep quality, energy-dense nutrient-poor food intake, cognitive flexibility, and behavioural activation are important intervention targets.

Background Targeting fathers may be a key strategy to increase physical activity among their preschool-aged children, but limited research exists in this area. The primary study aim was to examine the impact of a lifestyle program for fathers and their preschool-aged children on child physical activity levels. Methods A total of 125 fathers (aged: 38 ± 5.4 years, BMI: 28.1 ± 4.9 kg/m 2 ) and 125 preschool-aged children (aged: 3.9 ± 0.8 years, BMI z-score: 0.3 ± 0.9, 39.2% girls) recruited from Newcastle, Australia, NSW were randomised to (i) the Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads (HYHD) program, or (ii) wait-list control group. The program included two fathers-only workshops (2 h each) and eight father-child weekly educational and practical sessions (75 min each), plus home-based activities targeting family physical activity and nutrition. Assessments took place at baseline, 10-weeks (post-intervention) and 9-months follow-up. The primary outcome was the children’s mean steps/day at 10-weeks. Secondary outcomes included: co-physical activity, fathers’ physical activity levels and parenting practices for physical activity and screen time behaviours, children’s fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, plus accelerometer based light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), screen time and adiposity for fathers and children. Process measures included; attendance, satisfaction, fidelity and retention. Linear mixed models estimated the treatment effect at all time-points for all outcomes. Results Intention-to-treat analyses revealed a significant group-by-time effect for steps per day at 10-weeks (+ 1417, 95%CI: 449, 2384) and 9-months follow-up (+ 1480, 95%CI: 493, 2467) in intervention children compared to control. There were also favourable group-by-time effects for numerous secondary outcomes including fathers’ physical activity levels, children’s FMS proficiency, and several parenting constructs. No effects were observed for both fathers’ and children’s accelerometer based LPA or MVPA, co-physical activity, screen-time and adiposity measures. Process evaluation data revealed very high levels of satisfaction, attendance, retention, and intervention fidelity. Conclusion Engaging fathers in a lifestyle program is a promising strategy to increase physical activity among preschool-aged children. Additional benefits to fathers’ physical activity levels, children’s FMS proficiency and parenting practices further support the importance of engaging fathers to improve family health outcomes. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000105145 . Registered 24/01/2019.

BACKGROUND Depression and obesity are major health concerns and commonly co-exist, but men rarely seek help for these conditions. SHED-IT: Recharge was a gender-tailored eHealth program for men that generated clinically meaningful improvements in weight and depressive symptoms. PURPOSE To evaluate behavioral and psychological outcomes from the SHED-IT: Recharge intervention designed for overweight/obese men with low mood. METHODS Overall, 125 men (18-70 years) with a BMI between 25 and 42 kg/m2 and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) were randomly allocated to SHED-IT: Recharge (n = 62) or wait-list control (n = 63) groups. The self-directed program targeted key health behaviors combined with online mental fitness modules based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavioral (e.g., physical activity) and psychological outcomes (e.g., cognitive flexibility) were assessed with validated measures at baseline, 3 months (post-test) and 6 months (follow-up). Intention-to-treat linear mixed models examined treatment effects, which were adjusted for covariates, and effect size estimated (Cohen's d). RESULTS At post-test, intervention men achieved small-to-medium improvements in several health behavior outcomes including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, energy intake, portion size, and risky alcohol consumption (range, d = 0.3-0.5), when compared with the control group. Intervention effects were also observed for perceived physical self-worth, perceived physical strength, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral activation (range, d = 0.3-0.8). No effects were found for fruit and vegetable intake, or mindful attention. Most effects were maintained at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This gender-tailored, eHealth program with integrated mental fitness support elicited meaningful improvements in health behaviors and psychological outcomes for men with low mood. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001209189).

Objective: Obesity and depression are major, inter-related health concerns for men, yet many do not receive support to manage these conditions. This study investigated whether a self-guided, eHealth program (SHED-IT: Recharge) could reduce weight and depressive symptoms in men with overweight or obesity and low mood. Method: Overall, 125 men [Body Mass Index (BMI) 25-42 kg/m2] with depressive symptoms [Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥5] were recruited for a 6-month RCT. Men were randomized to (a) the SHED-IT: Recharge group (n = 62) or (b) a wait-list control group (n = 63). The 3-month program included printed and online resources (e.g., website, interactive modules). It was adapted from an evidence-based weight loss program for men to include an additional focus on "mental fitness". The primary outcomes were weight (kg) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) at 3 months. Men were assessed at baseline, 3 months (post-intervention), and 6 months. Intention-to-treat linear mixed models examined program outcomes. Results: At 3 months, medium-sized treatment effects were detected for both weight, adjusted mean difference -3.1 kg, 95% CI [-4.3, -1.9], d = 0.9, and depressive symptoms, adjusted mean difference -2.4 units, 95% CI [-4.0, -0.9], d = 0.6. These effects were maintained at 6 months and supported by sustained improvements in other health outcomes. Conclusions: A self-guided, eHealth program that combined behavioral weight loss advice with mental health support decreased weight and depressive symptoms in men. Integrated interventions targeting physical and mental health may be an effective strategy to engage and support men with overweight or obesity and low mood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Despite increasing rates of co-morbid depression and obesity, few interventions target both conditions simultaneously, particularly in men. The SHED-IT: Recharge trial, conducted in 125 men with depressive symptoms and overweight or obesity, tested the efficacy of a gender-tailored eHealth program with integrated mental health support. The aims of this study were to examine the perceptions of men who received the SHED-IT: Recharge intervention in relation to recruitment, satisfaction with the program, and suggestions to improve the program. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in a random sub-sample, stratified by baseline depression and weight status (n = 19, mean (SD) age 49.6 years (11.6), PHQ−9 score 9.0 (3.7), BMI 32.5 kg/m2 (4.6)). Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive process by an independent qualitative researcher. Four themes emerged, namely, (i) specific circumstances determined men’s motivation to enroll, (ii) unique opportunity to implement sustained physical and mental health changes compared to previous experiences, (iii) salience of the program elements, and (iv) further opportunities that build accountability could help maintain focus. Gender-tailored, self-directed lifestyle interventions incorporating mental health support are acceptable and satisfying for men experiencing depressive symptoms. These findings provide important insights for future self-guided lifestyle interventions for men with poor physical and mental health.

Background The 'Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered' (DADEE) program significantly improved physical activity levels of fathers and their daughters in an efficacy trial. However, the effectiveness of interventions when delivered in real-world settings needs to be established. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the DADEE intervention when delivered in community settings by trained facilitators. Methods We conducted a two-arm RCT, (baseline and 3-months post-intervention assessments), in Newcastle, Australia. In 2016, 155 fathers (27-60 years) and 189 primary-school-aged daughters (4-12 years) (n = 344) were randomly allocated to the intervention (78 fathers, 95 daughters) or waitlist-control (77 fathers, 94 daughters) groups. Trained facilitators delivered the 9-week DADEE program (weekly sessions plus home-based tasks). Primary outcomes were fathers' and daughters' physical activity (steps/day). Secondary outcomes included screen-time, weight status, daughters' fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, perceived sports competence, and fathers' parenting practices. Effects were assessed using linear mixed models. Results Primary outcome follow-up data were collected from 88% of fathers and 89% of daughters. Significant group-by-time differences in mean daily steps were found for fathers' (adjusted difference = +1,638; 95% CI: 833, 2,443, d = 0.7) and daughters' (adjusted difference = +1,023 steps/day; 95% CI: 259, 1,787; d = 0.4) physical activity. Significant effects were observed for daughters' screen-time, FMS, and some parenting practices. No significant effects were identified for weight status, or fathers'screen-time or self-reported MVPA. Program attendance, satisfaction and fidelity were very high. Conclusion This study established the effectiveness of the DADEE intervention when delivered in community settings by trained facilitators. Importantly, the findings were comparable to those of the efficacy RCT delivered by the research team. To maximize public health benefits, a larger-scale dissemination of the program appears warranted. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12616001270404 Human Research Ethics Committee: H-2014-0330

BACKGROUND:Few lifestyle programs for young children have targeted fathers. This study examined the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for fathers and their preschool-aged children.METHOD:A total of 24 father/preschool child dyads were recruited from Newcastle, Australia, into a single-arm, feasibility trial (baseline and 3-mo postbaseline assessments). The 9-session program aimed to improve physical activity and dietary habits of fathers and children. A priori feasibility benchmarks targeted recruitment (15 dyads), eligibility rate (>60%), attendance (80%), retention (≥85%), and program acceptability (≥4 out of 5). Acceptability of data collection procedures, research team program/resource management, home-program compliance, and preliminary intervention outcomes were also assessed.RESULTS:Feasibility benchmarks were surpassed for recruitment (24 dyads), eligibility rate (61.5%), attendance (89%), retention (100%), and program acceptability (4.6 out of 5). Data collection procedures were acceptable. Challenges included mothers reporting their own dietary intake rather than their child's, children moving during body composition measurement, and resetting pedometers. Resource and program management were excellent. Most families met home-program requirements (83%). Preliminary intervention outcomes were encouraging for fathers and children.CONCLUSION:Program feasibility was demonstrated by excellent recruitment, attendance, acceptability, retention, program administration, and promising preliminary intervention outcomes. A few data collection difficulties were identified. A larger scale efficacy trial is warranted.

Despite rising mental health problems worldwide, engaging men to seek mental health support is challenging. Male-only lifestyle interventions have shown promise for improving men's physical health, but the overall impact of these programs on psychological outcomes is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of male-only lifestyle interventions on men's mental health and to identify if any study or intervention features were associated with effectiveness. A systematic literature search with no date restrictions was conducted across four databases and returned 15 946 citations. Nine studies were eligible for inclusion, representing 1427 participants. Risk of bias was generally low across studies, although none were specifically powered to detect changes in mental health. Overall, significant group-by-time effects were reported for 26% of mental health outcomes examined. In the fixed-effects meta-analyses, small-to-medium intervention effects were observed for mental health-related quality of life (SMD = 0.24), self-esteem (SMD = 0.51), and positive affect (SMD = 0.58). Insights into effective study or intervention features were limited because of the low number of heterogeneous studies. Although male-only lifestyle interventions have improved men's mental health in some circumstances, studies that are specifically powered to detect long-term changes are urgently required, particularly in groups with pre-existing mental health concerns.

Introduction: Poor mental health in men is an increasing global health concern, but men are reluctant to participate in traditional mental health treatments. Male-only interventions targeting lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity) have shown promise for improving men's physical health, but the impact of these programs on psychological outcomes has not been evaluated. This systematic review was conducted to examine the impact of male-only lifestyle behaviour change interventions on men's mental health.

Aim This study examined the effects of different types of classroom physical activity breaks on children's on-task behaviour, academic achievement and cognition. Methods Participants were 87 Australian primary school students (mean age 9.11 +/- 0.62 years), recruited from one school. Three classes were randomly assigned either to activity breaks only (n = 29), activity breaks and mathematics combined (n = 29), or control conditions involving only mathematical content (n = 29). Students were engaged in five minutes of classroom physical activity breaks, three times per week, for four weeks (divided into two minutes at the beginning of the usual mathematics curriculum lesson and three minutes in the middle of the lesson). Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-test. Results Significant group-by-time effects were found for on-task behaviour (active engagement: activity breaks and mathematics combined versus control, p <= 0.001; activity breaks versus control, p <= 0.001; activity breaks and mathematics combined versus activity breaks, p = 0.037; passive engagement: activity breaks and mathematics combined versus control, p <= 0.001) and mathematics scores (activity breaks versus control, p = 0.045). Conclusion Physical activity breaks with and without integrated mathematics content were effective in improving children's on-task behaviour and learning scores.

Introduction: Truck driving is the most common occupation for adult Australian men. However, it is also associated with very low levels of physical activity, musculoskeletal injuries, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and suboptimal nutrition. This combination of risk factors places truck drivers in the highest risk categories for serious health complications including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and multiple cancers. To address this, the current study investigated whether an existing health intervention for male shift workers (Workplace POWER) could be adapted to improve the weight and physical activity levels of overweight and obese male truck drivers.