title: A longitudinal study of the family physical activity environment and physical activity among youth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 5-year prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen randomly selected public schools in Melbourne, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Families of 5- to 6-year-old (n  =  190) and 10- to 12-year-old (n  =  350) children.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Physical Activity & Nutrition Research, School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. verity.cleland@deakin.edu.au
authors.forename: Verity
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Timperio
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salmon
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hume
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Telford
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crawford
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015444:Exercise; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013021:South Australia