Abstract
Early research has shown that leadership behaviour is viewed as a crucial factor in successfully developing team cohesion, effectively resulting in greater team satisfaction and more positive team outcomes. However, little is understood if these same factors have an impact on physical activity groups. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between leader behaviours and group cohesiveness within women's physical activity groups. Design: Participants ( N = 95) included a sub-sample of adult women who were previously involved in a women's physical activity/walking program. Methods: Participants assessed their groups’ leader behaviour using items pertaining to enthusiasm, motivation, instruction and availability, and their groups’ cohesiveness using the Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire (PAGEQ). Canonical correlation analysis was used to determine the strength of association between the four concepts of group cohesion (ATG-T, ATG-S, GI-T and GI-S) and the four items pertaining to leadership behaviour. Results: A significant multivariate relationship was revealed between group cohesion and leadership behaviour, Wilks’ lambda = 0.43, F(16,170) = 5.16, p < 0.001. The canonical correlation for this function was R C = 0.74, indicating a strong relationship. Simply stated, group leaders who were perceived as being highly enthusiastic, have the ability to motivate, are able to provide personal instruction and who are available outside of the group's regular activities were associated with higher levels of group cohesion. Conclusions: Although a cause–effect relationship cannot be determined, the current study can serve as a valuable template in guiding future research in examining potential mechanisms that may assist with physical activity sustainability.
Highlights
Engaging in regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the health and well being of the general population
Conclusions: a cause-effect relationship can not be determined, the current study can serve as a valuable template in guiding future research in examining potential mechanisms that may assist with physical activity sustainability
With the gradual shift in physical activity recommendations away from exercise-based activity to more lifestyle-based physical activity, it is important to note that groups leader behaviour, even in less formal groups such as the walking groups studied here, can have an influence on the group‟s perceptions of cohesion
Summary
Engaging in regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on the health and well being of the general population. . Specific to adult women, research has Despite the common belief that physical activity reduces the risk of disease in women, 4-6 women are less likely to be sufficiently active for health benefits beyond personal motivation which may help to explain women‟s low levels of participation in physical activity, including a number of psychological and cognitive, socio-cultural, and environmental barriers mechanisms which have the potential to assist women with engaging in regular physical activity. Group based physical activity has been associated with positive outcomes including increased participant attendance 9, reduced drop out behaviour 10, and a more positive attitude towards engaging in physical activity 11, 12. Further research has suggested that one of the main factors responsible for developing and maintaining this cohesiveness is the group leader 14 Estabrooks to become active and maintain an active lifestyle if they had the opportunity to interact and communicate with others, gain friends, and enjoy the camaraderie of other participants.
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