Developing and Disseminating Physical Activity Messages Targeting Parents: A Systematic Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Child Development

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) messages effectively promote parental support for children's activity.
• Limited research exists on optimizing PA message development and dissemination for parents.
• Inclusive messaging for parents of children with disabilities (CWD) requires specific consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing literature on PA messages targeting parents.
• To identify unique considerations for PA messages aimed at parents of CWD.
• To inform the development and dissemination of effective and inclusive PA messaging strategies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic scoping methodology employed.
• Peer-reviewed literature search conducted.
• Expert consultation utilized to identify relevant studies.

Main Results:

• Thirty-four articles were included in the review.
• Twenty-eight studies focused on general PA messages for parents, yielding six themes and 12 subthemes.
• Six studies addressed unique considerations for parents of CWD, revealing three themes and four subthemes.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge synthesis can inform practice guidelines for PA message development and dissemination.
• Findings will aid in creating more effective PA messages for parents.
• Specific considerations for parents of CWD will enhance inclusive PA messaging.