Exercise Individually or as a Collective Family Activity? A Semi-Experimental Comparison on the Increase in Subjective Vitality and Happiness

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of eight weeks of family-oriented sports training on the mental vitality and happiness levels of families.

Patients and methods: This research is classified as applied in terms of its purpose and utilizes a quasi-experimental design. We employed a pretest-posttest control group methodology to compare the effects of the intervention. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using covariance analysis (ANCOVA). The study included 110 participants, selected through convenience sampling.

Results: The test results showed that exercising with the family in Shanghai, China, has a significantly greater effect on improving happiness (5%) and mental vitality (11%) compared to exercising individually.

Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that while both forms of exercise significantly enhance mental vitality and happiness, the difference between exercising with family members and exercising alone is not pronounced, possibly influenced by the prolonged conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the positive effects of family-based exercise remain substantial. It is important to recognize that the extent of these differences and effects may vary across different countries. Social support and family cohesion are identified as crucial elements in these exercises, suggesting a valuable model for mental and physical health promotion programs at the community level.