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 20m 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 4x10m shuttle run test (15.84±1.21 vs 16.95±83) * but improved in the 20m 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 vs181.00±28.82 cm)*, 4x10m shuttle run test (12.95±1.30 vs 12.11±1.09 s)* in the 20m 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.