Parental behavior in relation to physical activity and fitness in 9-year-old children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between parental behaviors and physical activity and fitness in elementary school-aged children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of students and parents.


METHODS
Seven public elementary schools in a suburban southern California city.


METHODS
One hundred forty-eight fourth-grade girls and 149 fourth-grade boys and their parents. Eighty-four percent were white.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Children's physical activity was indicated by self-report, data obtained from a monitor (accelerometer), and results of the mile run/walk. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for ethnicity and body mass index, was conducted separately for girls and boys to explain variation in child activity and fitness. Parents' reported physical activity was not associated with child activity or fitness. However, availability of transportation by parents to sport and fitness activities was significant (or nearly so) in two regressions for boys and in one regression for girls. Parents who played with their children had more active boys, based on self-report, but verbal encouragement to be active was not significant in any model.


CONCLUSIONS
The parental role as gatekeeper of access to activity and sport facilities deserves further study.
Sallis
J F
JF
Department of Psychology, San Diego, State University, CA 92120-4913.
Alcaraz
J E
JE
McKenzie
T L
TL
Hovell
M F
MF
Kolody
B
B
Nader
P R
PR
D001519:Behavior; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D012647:Self-Assessment