Parental role in children's physical activity: a comparative study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of physical activity (PA) parenting in a sample of Italian and German children with a social ecological approach. Methods: A sample of 71 4th grade children of two primary schools in the North-east of Italy (n = 37) and two in the North-west of Germany (n = 34), and their two parents (n = 142) participated in the research. Participants wore a tri-axial accelerometer for 7 consecutive days, and completed a battery of questionnaires to assess self report PA levels, enjoyment during PA, importance of PA, parental support and perceived parental support, children self-efficacy and perceived environment accessibility and safety. Results/findings: ANOVA analysis showed significant differences between Italian and German children variables. Italian children scored higher on importance of sport while German children scored significantly higher on PA levels, perceived parental support, self-efficacy, equipment accessibility and perceived neighbourhood safety. Positive associations were found between children PA and children personal variables as enjoyment of PA, perceived parental support, self-efficacy in practising sport and their SES. Conclusions: Perceived parental support seemed to be a key element in increasing children PA level. These findings further sustain the notion that to increase childhood PA levels it may be necessary to promote PA among parents. Health promotion interventions should also reinforce the importance of environment accessibility and safety.