Accelerometry-Derived Physical Activity Correlations Between Parents and Their Fourth-Grade Child Are Specific to Time of Day and Activity Level

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to employ high-frequency accelerometry to explore parent-child physical activity (PA) relationships across a free-living sample. Methods: We recorded 7 days of wrist-mounted accelerometry data from 168 dyads of elementary-aged children and their parents. Using a custom MATLAB program (Natick, MA), we summed child and parent accelerations over 1 and 60 seconds, respectively, and applied published cut points to determine the amount of time spent in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA). Bivariate and partial correlations examined parent-child relationships between percentage of time spent in MVPA. Results: Weak to moderate positive correlations were observed before school (r = .326, P < .001), after school (r = .176, P = .023), during the evening (r = .213, P = .006), and on weekends (r = .231, P = .003). Partial correlations controlling for parent-child MVPA revealed significant relationships during the school day (r = .185, P = .017), before school (r = .315, P < .001), and on weekends (r = .266, P = .001). In addition, parents of more active children were significantly more active than parents of less active children during the evening. Conclusions: These data suggest that there is some association between parent-child PA, especially before school and on weekends. Future interventions aiming to increase PA among adults and children must consider patterns of MVPA specific to children and parents and target them accordingly.

Parent-Child Physical Activity Association in Families with 4- to 16-Year-Old Children

“…The current study also analyzed parent-child SC relationships at weekends, on weekdays, and during the whole week. Generally, a stronger SC association was observed at weekends compared with working days, which is consistent with other studies that objectively measured PA in children and parents [35,57,58]. On the other hand, a Greek study of five-to-eight-year-old children involving 59 parent-child dyads reported a stronger parent-daughter PA relationship on weekdays compared with weekends [47].…”

“…On the other hand, a Greek study of five-to-eight-year-old children involving 59 parent-child dyads reported a stronger parent-daughter PA relationship on weekdays compared with weekends [47]. However, a stronger parent-child relationship generally prevails at weekends, rather than on working days [35,[57][58][59][60].…”

The Effect of the Physical Activity Program Developed According to the Precede-Proceed Model on the Physical Activity Level and Physical Activity Behavior of Elementary School Students

“…A moderate correlation was determined in a study examining the relationship between parent-child physical activity levels. Based on accelerometry measurements made during the day, evening, and weekend, it has been shown that children's physical activity levels correlate signi cantly with their parents' [42]. In the present study, it is considered that the inclusion of parents, peers, and teachers in the physical activity program in line with the precede-proceed model has a signi cant impact on changing children's physical activity attitudes.…”

Enhancing the Quality of Life in Young Persons with SEN through Swimming Exercises in the New Era of Mobile Technologies

“…During the course of the different physical activities, between parents and YPSEN, a low level of dependence or interaction is installed, although during the free time and on the weekend, this interaction is very strong. Therefore, establishing PA at the weekend and outside the school program would be much more efficient and beneficial for the physical development and psychic evolution of YPSEN (Strutz, 2018) the assumption imply that the young persons with or without special needs practicing physical activities require a different approach and at the same time in accord with the educative novelties in the pedagogical area.…”