Physical activity of parents and their children: a population-based study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between leisure-time physical activity practice of parents and the participation of their children in sports and structured exercise. We also studied the association between physical activity indicators and socio-demographic variables. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas, Brazil. A total of 972 individuals aged 20 to 69 years were interviewed. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity practice among adults was 30.2% (95%CI 27.3; 33.1). Adult males were significantly more active than adult females (p < 0.001). Out of the 972 subjects included, 384 reported to have at least one child aged 6 to 18 years. The prevalence of sports or structured exercise practice among the children (N = 675) was 25.6% (95%CI 22.3; 28.9). We observed a significant and direct association between socioeconomic level and physical activity levels of both adults and youth. The association between parents and children activity levels almost reached significance (p = 0.053). In spite of the non-significant association observed in our study between parents' and children's activity levels, physical activity promotion is essential for all age groups. Further studies are warranted in order to deepen the understanding of social relationships and behaviors.