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

Background 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 school context has not been well-established. Objective This study aimed to establish the associations between the PA levels of fathers/mothers and their children, both in school and out-of-school contexts, considering different age groups (children and adolescents) and gender. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 involving 1,030 parent and 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. Results 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/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]). Conclusion Positive associations and trends between maternal PA and their children's out-of-school MVPA were identified, supporting future initiatives focused on family-based PA interventions.