Effect of joint physical activity on the physical condition of parents and children

Abstract

Family physical activity can have beneficial effects on the physical condition of parents and children. Method: Uncontrolled longitudinal intervention study. 152 children aged 3 to 10 years (79 Boys: 5.60 ± 2.20 yr., 73 Girls: 6.90 ± 2.20 yr.) and 112 parents aged 30 to 40 years (36 Parents: 41.87 ± 4.45 yr.; 76 Mothers: 40.01 ± 2.96 yr.). They carried out 2 hours of joint activity on a weekly basis from October to June. Physical fitness was assessed by ALPHA-Fitness and PRE-FIT batteries at the beginning and end of the intervention. A descriptive analysis and a t-student for paired variables were performed. Results: The 3-6-year-old girls improved the Standing long jump (33.50 ± 10.61 vs 78.11 ± 8.64 cm) * and the 20 m shuttle run test (7.00 ± 2, 83 vs. 22.50 ± 0.71) *, (*p < 0.05). Girls over 6 years of age decreased in Handgrip strength and 4x10 m shuttle run test (15.84 ± 1.21 vs 16.95 ± 83) * but improved in the 20 m shuttle run test (13.97 ± 5.48 vs 23.09 ± 7.49) *, (*p < 0.05). The parents improved their BMI (25.04 ± 2.60 vs 24.19 ± 1.50)*, the right Handgrip strength (37.02 ± 10.25 vs 41.17 ± 9.57 kg)*, the Standing long jump (156.17 ± 31.48 vs 181.00 ± 28.82 cm)*, 4x10 m shuttle run test (12.95 ± 1.30 vs 12.11 ± 1.09 s)* in the 20 m shuttle run test (37.90 ± 20.43 vs 54.20 ± 9.51 turns)*, (* p < 0.05). Conclusion: A physical exercise based on joint family activity produces improvements in some variables related to the physical condition of the girls and in the parents. Implication: Parents should exercise and plan family sports activities if they want their child to be active.