The role of personal relationships within physical activity interventions for adults with long-term health conditions: a qualitative systematic review.

Background

Increasingly, healthcare provision in the UK has started to take account of the role of social relationships in affecting health behaviours and wellbeing.

Objective

To synthesize the literature on the types and roles of personal relationships for adults with long-term health conditions involved in physical activity interventions.

Methods

We searched eight databases from 1990 to March 2025 for mixed methods and qualitative studies of physical activity interventions in adults with a range of long-term health conditions. Interventions lasted ≥6 weeks and explored the influence of personal relationships on physical activity.

Results

Sixty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Relationships identified included: interventionist; peers on the intervention; family members, friends, healthcare professionals, community, researchers, pets and a lack of social interaction.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of different types of social relationships and interactions for participants, illustrating the value of understanding the social context of physical activity interventions.