Social support in physical activity interventions for adults: An overview of reviews

Abstract

Reviews exploring social support in physical activity for specific adult populations are numerous. There is a need to synthesize knowledge and translate evidence into practical strategies to enhance social support in physical activity. The objective of this overview of reviews was to synthesize supportive strategies in physical activity contexts for adult populations. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting were followed. Twenty-three reviews were identified, and data were summarized narratively. Supportive strategies were categorized into nine social functions: feeling welcomed and included, making physical activity fun, modelling physical activity, providing information, encouragement, mastery feedback, autonomy support, emotional support, and fostering social connections. This review identified supportive strategies that can be transferable to and tailored for a variety of adult populations physical activity contexts. Fitness professionals play a key role in tailoring support to individual participants, and providing social support for physical activity, for coping, and for developing relationships.