Can a Parental Modeling Physical Activity Intervention Improve Physical Activity and Body Composition in Adults and Young Children

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the impact of an 8-week parental modeling physical activity (PA) intervention on parent and child PA and body composition. METHODS: Twenty-six parents participated in an 8-week PA intervention with their 1 - 5 year old child. The adults were randomly placed into an intervention (n=19) or control (n=7) group. The intervention group received weekly phone calls with a coach. The coach discussed strategies to change parent and child PA. PA (activity monitor) and body composition (height, weight, and circumferences) were assessed before and after the intervention. Body mass index (BMI) and BMI z-scores were calculated. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous PA was determined using cut points by, Freedson et al. (adult), Trost et al. (1 - 2 year old children), and Butte et al. (3 - 5 year old children). Data analyses were conducted using the intention-to-treat method. A series of 2 (group: control/intervention) X 2 (time: pre/post) ANCOVAs were run to examine the effect of the intervention on PA levels in the parents and children adjusting for wear time. A series of 2 (group: control/intervention) X 2 (time: pre/post) ANOVAs were run to examine the effect of the intervention on body composition (weight, BMI, waist circumference) in the parents and children (BMI z-score). Effect sizes (ES) were calculated and significance was set at p<.05. RESULTS: Among the parents, group, time, and interaction effects were non-significant for PA levels, weight, BMI, and waist circumference (p>.05). ES indicated the intervention group had medium reductions in sedentary behavior (-.57) and increases in vigorous PA (.65), whereas controls had small reductions in sedentary behavior (-.14) and medium reductions in vigorous PA (-.76). Regarding the children’s data, the PA levels and BMI z-scores were similar by group and time (p>.05). Small decreases in sedentary behavior (-0.18), light (-.21), and mod (-.11) PA were observed in the intervention children, whereas control children had small increases in sedentary behavior (.24), and large decreases in light (-.92) and moderate (-.90) PA. CONCLUSIONS: A parental modeling PA intervention may have positive effects on parent’s and children’s PA levels. Supported by: Research/Creative Activity Award, East Carolina University