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

<h4>Background</h4> Increasingly, healthcare provision in the UK has started to take account of the role of social relationships in affecting health behaviours and wellbeing. <h4>Objective</h4> To synthesize the literature on the types and roles of personal relationships for adults with long-term health conditions involved in physical activity interventions. <h4>Methods</h4> 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. <h4>Results</h4> 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. <h4>Discussion</h4> 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.