Coesão de grupo na aderência à atividade física: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Introduction: It highlights the physical and psychological benefits of regular physical activity and the difficulty in maintaining long-term adherence, although only 30% of the Brazilian population practices the recommended level of physical activity. Interventions based on group cohesion have been successfully used to promote physical activity. Group cohesion is characterized as a dynamic process aimed at fostering the unity of a group to achieve its goals and satisfy the members' emotional needs. Objective: The study aims to analyze and describe the applications of group cohesion in adherence to physical activity, based on a narrative literature review. Methodology: A search in databases such as PubMed, Periódicos Capes, and Google Scholar was conducted using descriptors related to group cohesion and physical activity. Seven articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was observed that interventions based on group cohesion are effective in increasing adherence to physical activity. Leadership and social relationships within the group are crucial factors for maintaining physical activity. Observational and experimental studies reviewed show that group cohesion, especially social integration and task identification, positively influence the frequency and continuity of physical activity. Conclusion: The objective of this paper was achieved, as it observed that the studies provided evidence that interventions and programs based on group dynamics are an efficient approach in the process of adherence to physical activity. However, these studies presented limitations in sample size, methodology, result accuracy, among other factors. Therefore, further research and discussions on the topic are necessary to increasingly understand the social, task-related, and/or group aspects of cohesion that reinforce adherence to regular physical activity.