Association between objectively measured physical activity of parents and children: The 2015 Pelotas birth cohort

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to verify the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA) of parents and child in the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort, a population-based Brazilian birth cohort. Methods:The main exposures were paternal moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) collected when children were 1-year of age, and maternal MVPA when children were 2-years. The outcome was children's overall PA (ENMO in mg) at 4-years of age. PA was measured using wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers during seven complete days. Potential confounders were maternal age, maternal and paternal education, and household asset index. Crude and adjusted analyses were performed using linear regressions.Results: Our analytical sample comprised 1326 children with valid accelerometer data and with both parents. Mean child PA was 48.1 mg, being higher among boys compared with girls (Boys: 50 mg, 95% CI: 49.1; 50.9; Girls: 46 mg, 95% CI: 45.2; 46.8). Children's PA at 4 years was positively associated with maternal MVPA at age 2 years (p < 0.001) and paternal MVPA at age 1 year (p < 0.001). A child with both parents in the highest tertile of unbouted MVPA presented higher overall PA (p = 0.001). Similar results were found for boys; however, for girls, paternal unbouted MVPA was not associated with overall PA. Conclusion:Overall, our results showed a positive impact of maternal and parental PA over 4-year-old children acceleration. These findings could be valuable when planning evidence-based interventions and policies to promote PA in young children, providing a broader perspective over the role of parents over children's behavior.

FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary behaviour and Sleep (FAMIPASS) study: protocol for a cross-sectional study

“…Positive acceptance of the FAMIPASS study by parents of preschool children is a necessary condition for effective implementation of repeated follow-up monitoring of the families’ 24-hour movement behaviour in 3 years. Repeat measurements are planned because they reinforce calls for the need for repeated and longitudinal studies to increase adherence to guidelines in preschoolers 6 10. In line with the recommendation of a systematic scoping review study,39 a full-scale repeat survey of family background via a family book is also planned in 2025 to gain greater insight into the manifestations of adiposity in children and its association with 24-hour exercise behaviour.…”

“…Repeat measurements are planned because they reinforce calls for the need for repeated and longitudinal studies to increase adherence to guidelines in preschoolers. 6 10 In line with the recommendation of a systematic scoping review study, 39 a full-scale repeat survey of family background via a family book is also planned in 2025 to gain greater insight into the manifestations of adiposity in children and its association with 24-hour exercise behaviour.…”

“…Progressive global initiatives have already responded appropriately and are implementing 24-hour monitoring of movement behaviour in preschool children in urban and rural settings in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries in Africa, America and Asia—the SUNRISE International Study of Movement Behaviours in the Early Years,5 Brazil—the Pelotas birth cohort study,6 7 Singapore —the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study8 and New Zealand—the Prevention of Overweight in Infancy (POI) study,9 with the aim of detecting adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines or the consequences in terms of motor development and adiposity.…”