Does Shared Physical Activity Strengthen Interpersonal Relationships? — A Review on Couples and Families

Abstract

Background. Physical activity is commonly studied as an individual health behavior, although participation with romantic partners or family members may also influence interpersonal functioning. Shared activity may provide opportunities for social support, cooperation, positive affect, and shared goal pursuit. However, evidence regarding its effects on relationship quality remains heterogeneous.

Aim. To review evidence on whether shared physical activity is associated with improved relationship quality, intimacy, family cohesion, or other interpersonal outcomes in couples and families, while distinguishing direct relational outcomes from behavioral and mechanistic evidence.

Materials and Methods. A narrative review was conducted using targeted searches of PubMed and publisher-indexed literature in August 2026. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and qualitative syntheses were considered.

Results. Observational studies directly examining shared activity suggest associations with positive affect and daily relationship satisfaction, whereas separate dyadic studies indicate that partner support may facilitate physical activity rather than demonstrate improvements in relationship quality. Dyadic interventions improve physical activity, but evidence for broader relationship benefits is limited. Partnered exercise has demonstrated selected improvements in physical intimacy in couples affected by cancer. Family-based interventions show more consistent effects on cohesion and organization than on global family functioning. Experimental studies support potential mechanisms involving synchrony and cooperation but provide indirect evidence for established relationships.

Conclusions. Shared physical activity may support interpersonal functioning, but current evidence does not establish a general causal effect on relationship quality. Further well-controlled dyadic and family RCTs are needed.