Motivation to participate in structured physical activity for autistic youth: A systematic scoping review.

LAY ABSTRACT: Autistic youth participate less in physical education classes and organised sport than their neurotypical peers. We conducted a review of existing studies to investigate what is known about what motivates (and does not motivate) autistic youth to take part in structured physical activities. We systematically searched electronic databases and found 18 publications that met the criteria to be included in this review. Data from these studies were extracted and mapped to the self-determination theory to identify factors that support (or undermine) motivation for autistic youth. We also discussed the findings with autistic individuals and other relevant stakeholders to discover how the review related to their experiences. Our results found competence (youth feeling competent in their athletic and social skills and abilities) to be the most reported psychological need impacting motivation for autistic youth. Intrinsic motivation (participating for enjoyment and satisfaction) was the most common facilitator of motivation. Autism-specific themes outside of the self-determination theory were mapped inductively, and we found that the sensory environment was a prominent theme reported to influence the motivation of autistic youth not covered by the self-determination theory. The findings of this review suggest that supporting the psychological needs of autistic youth can foster motivation to engage in physical activity, although how these needs are met can differ from their neurotypical peers. Future research should examine motivational factors that support engagement in structured physical activities through the lens of autistic youth and their experiences.

The effects of a combined physical activity and health education program on health knowledge and well-being of socially vulnerable children.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the football-based health education program "11 for Health" on health knowledge and well-being in the setting of a 10-week residential stay in a Danish charity home for socially vulnerable children. Six hundred and fourteen children participated in the study, of which 305 took part in the standard program plus "11 for Health" (SG+: 12.4 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) years) and 309 took part in the standard program (SG: 12.4 ± 1.6 years). We used a crossover design over two full years. The study examined changes in health knowledge and well-being through questionnaires. Overall health knowledge increased more in SG+ than SG over 10 weeks (6.6 vs. 3.4%, p < 0.05). The overall well-being scores were markedly improved (p < 0.05) by 4.54 ± 7.17 AU in SG+ and 4.51 ± 7.16 AU in SG, with no between-group differences. Specific improvements (p < 0.05) were seen in all well-being subcategories, raising the well-being scores to the national average. In conclusion, a 10-week stay at a Danish charity home, the Christmas Seal Home, markedly affected health knowledge and well-being of socially vulnerable children. When the football-based health education program-11 for Health-was added, there were additional positive effects on health knowledge.

Rethinking students' psychological need states: The unique role of need unfulfilment to understanding ill-being in academic settings.

Prior research has shown that students face various stressors which can affect their psychological health. The present study examines the role of students' psychological need states in explaining their burnout and dropout intentions. More precisely, relying on recent findings from Self-Determination Theory research, we examined whether students' psychological need unfulfilment could contribute to explain their ill-being over and above need satisfaction and frustration. To this end, we also tested the validity of a tripartite instrument allowing to assess these need states in academic settings (Psychological Need States in Education-Scale [PNSE-S]). A study was conducted among two samples of high school (N = 473; Sample 1) and college (N = 1143; Sample 2) students. Results supported the construct validity of the 35-item PNSE-S in both samples by showing that students' relatedness, autonomy, and competence unfulfilment can be modelled as distinct need states alongside the frustration and satisfaction of those three needs. Moreover, these different need states displayed a well-differentiated pattern of associations with various facets of student burnout and with dropout intentions. Results also showed the critical role of psychological need unfulfilment in explaining students' ill-being.

Autonomous motivation promotes goal attainment through the conscious investment of effort, but mental contrasting with implementation intentions makes goal striving easier.

People with autonomous motives (e.g., personal importance) may use automated strategies to effortlessly sustain goal-directed behavior and overcome obstacles. We investigated whether conscious effort, ease of goal striving, physiological effort, and the number of obstacles encountered mediate relations between motives and goal attainment for a competitive cycling goal. Additionally, half the participants (n = 57) were trained in Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) - a technique that facilitates development of goal-directed behavior - with remaining participants (n = 54) treated as controls. Conscious investment of effort mediated relations between autonomous motives and goal attainment. Subjective ease of goal striving and physiological effort did not. This result indicates that successful goal striving is not perceived as effortless for autonomously motivated individuals working on competitive goals. Conversely, MCII predicted a reduction in obstacles, which in turn was associated with easier goal striving but not goal attainment. Although MCII did not support goal attainment in the current study, its ability to minimize the influence of obstacles may still be useful for other types of goals or for sustaining long-term goal pursuit.

Dimensionality, Invariance, and Nomological Network of the Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (NSFS): An Extensive Psychometric Investigation in a Swedish Work Cohort.

The present study evaluated the dimensionality, measurement invariance, and nomological network of the Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (NSFS) in a sample of Swedish workers. Using confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory structural equation modeling, and bifactor modeling, 30 different measurement models were evaluated cross-sectionally (n = 2123) and longitudinally (n = 1506). Measurement invariance was tested across gender and time. The nomological network of the NSFS was examined through its relations with life satisfaction and cognitive weariness. The findings supported a first-order six-factor ESEM model and measurement invariance of the Swedish version of the NSFS. Need satisfaction was positively related to life satisfaction and unrelated to cognitive weariness. Need frustration was negatively related to life satisfaction and positively related to cognitive weariness. The present study supported a six-factor structure of the Swedish NSFS, which appears suitable for assessing changes over time and gender differences in ratings.

The effects of interpersonal development programmes with sport coaches and parents on youth athlete outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Interpersonal coach-and parent development programmes (CDP and PDP, respectively), have the goal to foster positive youth sport experiences through high-quality relations between coaches, parents, and youth athletes. In this paper we systematically reviewed the extant literature and estimate the overall magnitude of such programmes and how they can inform future interventions. Specifically, we aimed to: (a) conduct a systematic review on the literature of interpersonal CDPs and PDPs within the youth sport context; (b) examine the effects of such interventions on youth athlete outcomes via a meta-analysis. English written peer-reviewed publications and grey literature was identified through electronic search in databases and manual searches of reference lists. By utilising a priori criteria for inclusion and exclusion, 33 studies describing interpersonal CDPs, and PDPs were identified in the systematic review. Studies that presented required data for estimation of Hedge's g effect sizes were included in the meta-analysis (k = 27). By and large, the included studies used a quasi-experimental design (58%), sampled from team sports (79%), and reported several delivery methods (e.g., workshops, audio feedback, observations, peer group discussions) and outcome measures (e.g., anxiety, autonomous motivation, self-confidence). Some interventions were based on the same delivery protocols (e.g., Coach Effectiveness Training, Mastery Approach to Coaching) or theoretical frameworks (e.g., Achievement Goal Theory, Self-Determination Theory). The meta-analysis showed statistically significant small, and medium, effect sizes on a subsample of youth athlete outcomes (e.g., task-related climate, fun and enjoyment, anxiety), indicating that coach interpersonal skills can contribute to positive youth sport experiences. Theory-based interpersonal CDPs and PDPs are recommended to expand the knowledge in this field of research.

To rest or to compete? A 4-week cohort study of analgesic use and willingness to compete hurt in Danish youth elite athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between analgesic use and willingness to compete hurt (WCH) in Danish youth elite athletes, and to explore factors associated with such willingness. DESIGN: 4-week prospective cohort study. METHODS: 592 Danish youth elite athletes (15-20 years) completed a baseline questionnaire assessing demographic information, sport history, and WCH, and provided weekly reports on analgesic use for 4 weeks via text messages. Analgesic use was categorized as no use (0 weeks) or use across 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks, and as the total number of days with analgesic use. Multinomial logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses estimated the association between analgesic use and WCH. Linear backward stepwise regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with WCH. RESULTS: Overall, risk of analgesic use increased significantly with increasing WCH scores (relative risk ratios ranging from 1.06 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.12%) to 1.34% (95% CI 1.15 to 1.57)). The incidence rate of analgesic use increased significantly with increasing WCH scores (incidence rate ratio 1.09 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.14)). Associations between the investigated possible antecedent factors and WCH were weak and not considered practically important (R2 = 0.05 or lower). CONCLUSIONS: Higher WCH scores were associated with increasing risk of analgesic use, irrespective of the underlying reason for the use, in Danish youth elite athletes, suggesting that analgesics may be an ingrained part of a sport-specific culture of risk acceptance. Future studies should include measures of culture, norms, and social interaction to better explain the variance in WCH.

'A Different Ball Game': Adaptation of a men's health program for implementation in rural Australia.

BACKGROUND: Men residing in rural areas are less likely to participate in weight management interventions than women, and few men-specific programs target rural areas. Aussie-Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) is an evidence-based weight management intervention that uses professional Australian Football club affiliations and settings as a 'hook' to engage urban-residing men. The aim of this study is to report on how findings from rural stakeholder focus groups were used to inform the adaptation of Aussie-FIT for implementation in rural areas. METHODS: Seven focus groups with stakeholders (n = 24) in three rural towns explored existing weight management and physical activity provisions, barriers and facilitators to engaging men, and considerations for adapting Aussie-FIT for implementation in rural contexts. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework approach. Adaptations made to the Aussie-FIT program and strategies to implement the program in rural contexts were reported using a structured framework. RESULTS: Themes generated from our analysis include limited appealing services for men, Australian Football as a 'common language', the influence of the 'smaller fishpond'(population), considerations for program inclusivity, and the importance of local partner organisations for sustainability. We adapted the recruitment and marketing strategies, delivery settings, football program theme and partnerships for rural implementation. Stakeholders advised that an Australian Football program theme without specific local club affiliations would be important to avoid alienating men with differing club allegiances or non-sporting backgrounds. A multi-component recruitment strategy utilising local trusted sources, and program marketing that aligns with masculine ideals were considered important by stakeholders in small communities where 'people talk'. CONCLUSIONS: Rural areas were described as 'a different ball game' due to limited local services and resources in comparison to metropolitan areas. Study findings have synergies with previous studies undertaken in rural contexts including in relation to the power of word of mouth, the importance of trust, and local partner organisations. Findings have implications for engaging rural men in health interventions in rural contexts where professional sporting contexts are not available. Assessing the extent to which the adapted Aussie-FIT program can reach and engage men in rural Australia, and exploring the barriers and facilitators to delivering the program in rural contexts is required.

Predictors of intentions of adults over 35 years to participate in walking sport programs: A social-ecological mixed-methods approach.

There is a growing need to identify acceptable and feasible opportunities to engage adults over 35 years in physical activity. Walking sports may be a potential means to engage adults in sport; however, there is limited evidence regarding appeal and feasibility to support its implementation and delivery. Using a two-step mixed-methods approach, we aimed (1) to quantitively identify significant predictors of intentions of adults over 35 years to participate in walking sports and (2) to understand why and how these identified predictors may be contextually relevant to the target group. In phase one, 282 adults over 35 years (Mage = 46.08, SD = 9.75) without prior experience of walking sports completed an online questionnaire assessing personal, psychosocial, program-related, and environmental predictors, and intentions to participate in walking sports. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions showed that perceived health status, attitudes, subjective norms, and distance of venue were significant predictors of intentions. In phase two, interviews with a subset of 17 participants indicated that, when implementing walking sport programs, program labeling, fear of the unknown, and individual differences in the appeal of walking sport warrant consideration. Together, these findings offer insight into the complex interplay of personal, psychosocial, program-related, and environmental predictors of adults' intentions to participate in walking sports. Addressing these elements of a walking sport program would make such programs more appealing to potential participants, and ultimately, more feasible and sustainable to conduct in the long run.

Behavior change techniques in physical activity interventions for adults with substance use disorders: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing regular physical activity (PA) behavior may be an effective adjunct intervention for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. This systematic review aims to identify promising behavior change techniques (BCTs), namely, BCTs present in the design of interventions evidencing significant short-term and/or long-term (d ≥ 0.15 for objective measures and d ≥ 0.36 for self-report measures) increase in PA and/or reduction of substance use, secondary psychological measures, and retention in the PA intervention. METHOD: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the search was performed on March 11, 2021 across databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ProQuest, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar, Open Grey, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. Studies were included if they measured PA, included participants aged ≥ 18 years, were randomized control trials, and if participants were diagnosed with SUDs. The Cochrane RoB 2.0 Tool was used to assess risk of bias. BCTs from eligible studies were extracted, coded, and ranked according to their proportional presence across studies. RESULTS: The final synthesis included k = 61 studies with N = 12,887 participants. High heterogeneity across outcome measures, interventions, and control conditions was found. In total, 477 applications of BCTs were identified. Instruction on how to perform the behavior, social support (unspecified), behavioral practice/rehearsal, problem-solving, pharmacological support, goal setting (behavior), self-monitoring (behavior), and biofeedback were the eight most frequently used promising BCTs across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the eight most promising BCTs identified in this review in future PA interventions in SUD populations may improve SUD outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

How can older peer leaders best support motivation for walking in physically inactive older adults? A self-determination theory perspective.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine what older adults perceive to be need-supportive behaviours of peer walk leaders, drawing primarily from Self-Determination Theory (SDT). DESIGN: Experienced peer leaders (n = 13; Mage = 73.23, SD = 6.55) and walkers (n = 17; Mage = 72.88, SD = 5.79) were recruited from existing walking groups. Individuals who expressed an interest in becoming a peer leader (n = 18; Mage = 72.72, SD = 4.99) or walker (n = 20; Mage = 78.90, SD = 10.45) were recruited from retirement villages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We conducted semi-structured interviews to identify leader behaviours that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness and analysed the data using framework analysis. RESULTS: We identified eight main themes: eliciting walker interest, acknowledging and adapting to walkers' requirements, ensuring walkers feel comfortable, cared for, and socially integrated, supporting walker confidence, and promoting success experiences. Inexperienced leaders differed from other sub-groups in what they perceived to be supportive behaviours. CONCLUSION: Future peer leaders could use the identified behaviours to help older adults feel motivated during group walks. New peer leaders can be educated about potential differences between what they describe as supportive and what walkers and experienced leaders perceive as need-supportive behaviours.

The Psychology of Athletic Endeavor.

A considerable amount of human behavior occurs within the context of sports. In recent years there have been notable advances in psychological science research applied to understanding athletic endeavor. This work has utilized a number of novel theoretical, methodological, and data analytic approaches. We review the current evidence related to developmental considerations, intrapersonal athlete factors, group processes, and the role of the coach in explaining how athletes function within the sport domain. This body of work sheds light on the diverse ways in which psychological processes contribute to athletic strivings. It also has the potential to spark interest in domains of psychology concerned with achievement as well as to encourage cross-domain fertilization of ideas.

Motivational predictors of children's involvement in out-of-school activities: An application of a football program.

The "11 for Health in Denmark" in-school educational football program has shown to have numerous positive physiological and psychological effects in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren. A key part of the successful application of the program, however, has not yet been examined, namely the motivational processes underlying participation and behavioral changes. This study examined such motivational processes (i.e., autonomous motivation, beliefs, and intentions) using the trans-contextual model (TCM) and investigated if the 11 for Health in Denmark program increased intentions to participate in physical activity (PA) outside of school in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren. Using a web-based questionnaire, Danish-speaking schoolchildren (N = 276 [boys, 50.4%]; Mage  = 10.44, SD = 0.35) from three schools and seven classes completed TCM-based questionnaires at three time-points (weeks 0, 1, and 5) while participating in the 11 for Health in Denmark program. Single-indicator structural equation modeling was performed to examine goodness-of-fit and parameter estimates. A path analysis using maximum likelihood estimation was used to test the direct and indirect effects of the TCM model. The results partly supported a mediation sequence, as we found significant direct effects in eight of 13 motivational variables (ß = -0.25-0.83, p < 0.05), indirect effects in one of nine variables (ß = 0.15, p < 0.01), but no effects with regard to PA behavior. Findings provide evidence for a motivational link between Danish-speaking schoolchildren's autonomous and controlled motivation from in school to out of school, and may inform future interventions promoting motivation and participation in out of school PA.

Psychosocial Predictors of Drop-Out from Organised Sport: A Prospective Study in Adolescent Soccer.

In recent years an increased drop-out rate in adolescents' soccer participation has been observed. Given the potentially adverse consequences of drop-out from soccer, more information about risk factors for drop-out is warranted. In the current study, Classification and Regression Tree (CRT) analysis was used to investigate demographic and motivational factors associated with an increased risk of drop-out from adolescent soccer. The results of this study indicate that older age, experiencing less autonomy support from the coach, less intrinsic motivation, being female, and lower socioeconomic status are factors associated with an increased risk of drop-out. An interpretation of the results of this study is that coaches play a central part in creating a sports context that facilitates motivation and continued soccer participation. Based on the findings of the current study we propose that soccer clubs implement theoretically informed coach education programs to help coaches adopt autonomy-supportive coaching strategies.

Enhancing functional recovery for young people recovering from first episode psychosis via sport-based life skills training: outcomes of a feasibility and pilot study.

Early intervention within First Episode Psychosis (FEP) recovery efforts support functional recovery in several ways, including increasing levels of (1) physical activity (2) life skills, and (3) social connectivity. Sport has been proposed as an ideal platform to target these three goals simultaneously. The primary aims were to assess the feasibility of utilising sport-based life skills within FEP recovery efforts and test intervention components. The secondary aim was to evaluate the potential recovery benefits. Seven young people (aged 15-25 years) with FEP participated in a six-week sport programme alongside their support workers (community and peer workers) from the service, including peer workers with a lived experience of psychosis. The programme consisted of various sporting activities, which were designed to promote physical activity, maximise social connectivity, and teach life-skills (e.g. motivation, emotional regulation, and goal-setting) that are relevant and transferrable to other contexts (e.g. school, employment, independent living). The support participants engaged with the programme at the same level as the young people, with the role of providing support and normalising/modelling engagement. The young and support participants provided feedback during and after the programme via questionnaires and interviews. Young participants self-reported physical activity levels, psychological needs, recovery dimensions, and life skills pre- and post- intervention using established psychometric tools. We used thematic analysis to analyse the qualitative data and compared this information with other data collected (e.g. attendance, feedback, quantitative measurements). The study culminated with a process evaluation. The results indicated that, despite challenges with engagement for young people with FEP, sport-based life skills programming may be a feasible and useful recovery outlet. In addition, the results highlighted specific intervention components that were useful to promote engagement and recovery benefits. This study serves as a critical foundation for future sport-based work within FEP recovery.

Self-reported measurements of physical literacy in adults: a scoping review.

Physical literacy (PL) is a comprehensive concept covering motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding of individuals' physical activity throughout life. PL has three overlapping domains, such as: an affective, a physical and a cognitive domain. So far, PL has not been measured in the adults and no complete measurement has been developed to date. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this scoping review was to review existing self-reported instruments measuring different elements of domains of PL. METHOD: We reviewed Education Research Complete, Cochrane, Medline, ScienceDirect, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. The reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Studies were coded using a thematic framework, which was based on the three domains of PL. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) age groups between 18 and 60 years; (2) meta-analyses, reviews or quantitative studies focusing on the measurement of at least one of the three domains of PL and (3) instrument that was self-reported. We finalised search on 1 August 2021 RESULTS: In total, 67 articles were identified as studies describing instruments reflecting the three domains of PL. Following full-text reading, 21 articles that met our inclusion criteria were included. Several instruments of relevance to PL are available for assessing motivation, confidence and the physical domain. However, few instruments exist that measure elements of the cognitive domain. CONCLUSION: This review showed that a range of existing and validated instruments exists, covering two out of the three domains of PL, namely affective and physical domains. However, for the knowledge domain no valid measurement tools could be found. This scoping review has identified gaps in the research (namely the cognitive domain) and also a gap in the research as no measures that consider the inter-relatedness of the three domains (holistic nature of the concept).

Motivating playgrounds: understanding how school playgrounds support autonomy, competence, and relatedness of tweens.

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) is an important factor contributing to general health. PA declines rapidly during tween years (9-12 years) when children's social world changes. School playgrounds can contribute substantially to children's PA, but little is known about how to motivate tweens to use school playgrounds. Using the three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) proposed by the Self-Determination Theory, this qualitative study aimed to investigate how school playgrounds can support tweens' needs. METHODS: Tweens (n = 56) participated in focus group go-along interviews in their school playground. RESULTS: We found that tweens needed a variety of play possibilities (autonomy) that challenged their skills (competence) as well as areas to retract and be with friends (relatedness). CONCLUSION: This research highlights the importance of incorporating tweens' perspectives in playground design to attract and retain them in play and PA in school playgrounds.

A systematic review examining socioeconomic factors in trials of interventions for men that report weight as an outcome.

Weight management interventions designed specifically for men have become more common, but the extent to which socioeconomic factors are considered in trials of these interventions is unclear. We synthesized study characteristics, methods, and reporting of interventions with a behavioral component for men that report weight as an outcome, to establish the extent to which socioeconomic factors are considered during intervention design, conduct, and reporting. A comprehensive search was conducted on Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL for studies published from January 2000 to July 2021. Thirty-six trials were included. Educational attainment (n = 24) was the most frequently reported socioeconomic characteristic, followed by working status (n = 14) and area level deprivation (n = 12). Seven studies did not report any socioeconomic characteristics. Most studies (n = 20) did not mention the socioeconomic profile of their samples in relation to study strengths or limitations. Few (n = 4) consulted with men from lower socioeconomic groups during intervention design. One study examined potential differential intervention effects across socioeconomic groups, with most not powered to do so. Recent feasibility trials (n = 3) targeting specific socioeconomic groups suggest a potential nascent towards a greater consideration of factors related to equity. To best inform public health policy related to health inequalities, greater consideration of socioeconomic factors is required in trials of men's weight management interventions.

Acceptability of Self-Management Group Education to Reduce Fear of Hypoglycemia as a Barrier to Physical Activity in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Mixed Methods Approach.

OBJECTIVES: Mixed methods were used to evaluate a group self-management education intervention to address type 1 diabetes (T1D)-specific barriers to physical activity (PA). We evaluated the acceptability of study resources and procedures. METHODS: Consenting participants from a quantitative evaluation (n=70) were invited to participate in 1 of 5 focus groups. Interviews explored the acceptability of procedures across the randomized controlled trial schedule, acceptability of the intervention/control workshops and resources and the perceived effectiveness of the intervention/control on participant outcomes. The use and helpfulness of intervention take-home resources, Facebook data and fidelity coding were also examined to inform other aspects of intervention acceptability. RESULTS: Twenty-one focus group participants from control or intervention arms participated in 1 of the 5 focus groups. Participants were 46±10 years of age; about half were female and had been living with T1D for 23±16 years. Study procedures were widely accepted; however, randomization and some aspects of the questionnaire were of concern to a small number of participants. Group education was acceptable and preferred, but participants expressed ambivalence toward the private Facebook group. Control participants indicated that basic information on PA guidelines and hypoglycemia risk are not currently being provided in standard care. Fidelity assessment confirmed the intervention was delivered consistently and was facilitated using behaviours and communication skills based on social cognitive theory. CONCLUSIONS: Future definitive evaluation of this promising intervention should utilize a blinded randomized controlled trial study design. Alterations to the control workshop are required to better reflect standard care in Australia. Our qualitative findings suggest that group education can be an acceptable and preferred method of education in T1D management for PA.

The Aussie-FIT process evaluation: feasibility and acceptability of a weight loss intervention for men, delivered in Australian Football League settings.

OBJECTIVE: This process evaluation aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Aussie-FIT, a group-based weight loss intervention for men with overweight and obesity in Australia. DESIGN: Process data and data collected from: (1) six-participant focus groups (n= 24), (2) coach interviews (n = 4), (3) audio recordings of Aussie-FIT sessions and (4) post-program participant surveys (n= 93) were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We explored the feasibility and acceptability of program setting and context, recruitment strategies, factors impacting implementation and mechanisms of impact. RESULTS: Recruitment via Australian Football League (AFL) clubs was highly effective; 426 men expressed interest within 3 days of advertising, 130 men took part. Program attendance was not consistently recorded by coaches. Coach interviews indicated a 'core group of men' participated in each session (typically 10-12 of 15 men). Program delivery proved feasible in the AFL context. Program acceptability and satisfaction were high. Internalisation of autonomous motives was identified as driving behaviour change. Behaviour change to support maintained weight loss was facilitated through habit formation, goal setting and effective management of multiple goals. CONCLUSION: Aussie-FIT sets a blueprint for future weight loss interventions that utilise behaviour change strategies and principles of self-determined motivation to support men to lose weight. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000515392.© 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.