A systematic review of correlates of physical activity of LGBTQIA+ people

Understanding physical activity (PA) correlates strengthens the development of effective interventions. This systematic review summarised PA correlates among LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other diverse identities) adults using the socio-ecological model. Seven online databases were searched from inception to September 2025. The percentage of reported tests for each identified correlate were classified as no association (‘0’, 0–33%), inconsistent association (‘?’, 34–59%), positive association (‘+’, 60–100%) or negative association (‘–’, 60–100%). Synthesis of results focused on four or more studies examining a correlate. Eighty-one studies were included, identifying 63 correlates. Forty-five intrapersonal correlates were examined, with fifteen studied in four or more studies. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, self-perceived health was consistently positively associated with PA. Being transgender was consistently negatively correlated with PA. Of the 13 interpersonal correlates, three were examined by four or more different studies: relationship status, social support and community connectedness, all of which reported no association with PA. Three environmental and two organisational/policy correlates were identified; none were examined by four or more studies. Improving self-perception of health (actual health) may improve PA among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Strategies to increase PA levels among transgender individuals are needed. More evidence is required on environmental and organisational/policy factors.Registration PROSPERO CRD42024559738.