EXTRA-TIME: EXercise Through ReferrAl To walkIng football for MEn with Multiple Long-Term Conditions
Supervisors:
Prof Jason Gill, School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow
Dr Emma Lawlor, School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow
Dr Bhautesh Jani, School of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Prof Andrew Radley, School of Health Sciences, University of Dundee
Summary:
Multiple long-term conditions are increasingly common among middle-aged and older adults and are linked to lower physical activity levels, poorer mental wellbeing and reduced quality of life. However, many existing physical activity programmes struggle to engage underserved groups, particularly men living with MLTC. This PhD will explore how community-based walking football can support sustained physical activity engagement among men living with MLTC. Walking football is a low-impact adaptation of football that combines physical activity with social connection, peer support focused on enjoyment. The project will examine how men with MLTCs perceive walking football, what helps or prevents uptake, and how referral pathways from primary care and community pharmacy can be made acceptable, accessible and sustainable. It will behavioural and social mechanisms underpinning engagement, including confidence, social identity, enjoyment peer support and belonging. Using mixed methods, the student will work with people living with MLTCs, hhealthcare professionals, community partners to understand how referrals to existing physical activity interventions can be made more accessible, acceptable and sustainable. The project will provide training in mixed-methods research, behavioural science, public involvement, community-based research and intervention development and evaluation, and interdisciplinary working.