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A longitudinal study of the family physical activity environment and physical activity among youth

journal contribution
posted on 2011-01-01, 00:00 authored by Verity Cleland, Anna TimperioAnna Timperio, Jo SalmonJo Salmon, Clare Hume, Amanda Telford, David CrawfordDavid Crawford
Purpose. Although the family environment is a potentially important influence on children's physical activity (PA), prospective data investigating these associations are lacking. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between the family environment and PA among youth.

Design. A 5-year prospective cohort study.

Setting. Nineteen randomly selected public schools in Melbourne, Australia.

Subjects. Families of 5- to 6-year-old (n  =  190) and 10- to 12-year-old (n  =  350) children.

Measures. In 2001, parents reported their participation in PA, family-based PA, and support and reinforcement for their child's PA. In 2001, 2004, and 2006, moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) was assessed among youth using accelerometers. Weekend and “critical window” (after school until 6:00 p.m.) MVPA were examined because we hypothesized that the family environment would most likely influence these behaviors.

Analysis. Generalized estimating equations predicted average change in MVPA over 5 years from baseline family environment factors.

Results. Maternal role modeling was positively associated with boys' critical window and weekend (younger boys) MVPA. Paternal reinforcement of PA was positively associated with critical window and weekend MVPA among all boys, and paternal direct support was positively associated with weekend MVPA (older boys). Among girls, maternal coparticipation in PA predicted critical window MVPA, and sibling coparticipation in PA was directly associated with weekend MVPA (younger girls).

Conclusions. Longitudinal relationships, although weak in magnitude, were observed between the family environment and MVPA among youth. Interventions promoting maternal role modeling, paternal reinforcement of and support for PA, and maternal and sibling coparticipation in PA with youth are warranted.

History

Journal

American journal of health promotion

Volume

25

Issue

3

Season

January - February

Pagination

159 - 167

Publisher

American Journal of Health Promotion

Location

North Hollywood, Calif.

ISSN

0890-1171

eISSN

2168-6602

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2011, American Journal of Health Promotion