Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of Mothers, Fathers, and Children of Preschool and School Age

Abstract

The impact of physical activity parents perform on their children, which can positively affect their development, has recently been studied with greater emphasis. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between the levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior of mothers and fathers and that of their preschool and school-age children. A sociodemographic questionnaire and two questionnaires to estimate physical activity and sedentary behavior (MAFYCS and IPAQ) were applied to a total of 34 girls and 25 boys aged 4 to 10 years, together with their mothers and fathers, all residents of the Biobío Region, Chile. The results showed that children whose mothers and fathers were more physically active and walked more were more involved in active play and participated in organized sports (r=0.523; p<0.001), (r=0.678; p<0.001). Likewise, children whose mothers were more physically active participated more in organized sports (r=0.296; p=0.026). In addition, the children of mothers who were more sedentary spent more time in front of a computer (r=0.279; p=0.036). Regular physical activity in mothers and fathers may significantly influence their children by positively transferring their habits. This could also be mediated by the intensity, type of activity performed, and overall family engagement in physical pursuits and lifestyle habits.