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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(5): 106-115, 2018. Children’s participation in sport/physical activity programs (structured activity) may play a critical role in promoting (or hindering) activity in children and their parents. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if the amount of time children spend participating in structured activity correlates with physical activity levels (moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)/day and steps/day) in children and their parents. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from 14 parent-child pairs with children ranging from ages 7-10 years. Parental and children’s daily physical activity levels (MVPA/day and steps/day) were determined from pedometer data using a Piezo-SC Step Pedometer. Parents also completed a questionnaire that outlined how many hours/week their children participated in structured activities. A Pearson-product moment correlation analyses between hours per week in structured activity and children’s steps/day (r = .16, p = .60) and MVPA (r = .12, p = .68) were not significant. Similarly, there were no significant relationships between children’s participation (hours per week) in structured activity and parent’s steps/day (r = .16, p = .59) and MVPA/day (r = .20, p = .50) respectively. These results suggest that children and parental physical activity is predicated on complex, interrelated factors. Contrary to popular thinking, parents whose children are engaged in more structured physical activities are not less physically active than other parents; the reality is neither are sufficiently active. Altering these perceptions are important in future intervention strategies that aim to promote activity.

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