"Active behaviour of parents is more associated with out-of-school physical activity in their children"

Active parents may have more active children, as parents act as role models for their children's physical activity (PA). Parents can facilitate access to PA, provide information, validate physical-sport behaviours, and offer emotional support. Also, the influence of parents' PA on children's PA in and out of the school context has not been well-established.

This study aimed to examine the associations between parental PA and the PA levels of their children in both school and out-of-school settings, considering parental sex.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 involving 1,030 parent-child dyads. Sociodemographic data and self-reported active behaviour measures were administered to both groups simultaneously. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine the associations.

A positive trend between parental and children's PA was observed only out of school (Trend OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.25-1.95; p < 0.001). Maternal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 151-300 min per week was associated with MVPA in children on school days with physical education classes (OR = 3.48; 95% CI, 1.04-12.1). A trend was found in the maternal group for MVPA in children out of school (Trend OR = 1.57 [95% CI = 1.24; 2.01]).

Positive associations between MVPA in children and more than 150 min of MVPA per week from parents were found. Also, a trend between maternal PA and their children's out-of-school MVPA was identified, supporting future initiatives focused on family-based PA interventions.