Kritz et al. 2026, group versus individual physical activity interventions meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 71 studies (523 effect sizes) directly comparing group-based and individual physical activity interventions across behavioural, functional, psychosocial and health outcomes. For physical activity behaviour, group conditions showed a small and non-significant advantage over individual conditions (g = 0.086, 95% CI −0.061 to 0.233, p = 0.249). Psychosocial outcomes (quality of life, loneliness) also favoured groups but the effect was similarly non-significant. The pooled evidence does not confirm that group exercise reliably outperforms individual exercise for adherence. Moderate evidence.