Due to the decline in physical activity documented during the transition to adulthood, as well as the powerful modeling effect parents have on their young children, parents of preschool-age children are a valuable population sub-group to examine in physical activity research.

In this investigation, 118 Canadian mothers and fathers of preschool-age children filled out three questionnaires: the Godin leisure-time physical activity participation [1Godin G., Shephard R.J.A simple method to assess exercise behavior in the community Canadian J ApplSport Sci 1985 ;  10 : 141-146

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références], Stage of motivational readiness to change [2Littell J.H., Girvin H. Stages of change: a critique Behavior Modif 2002 ;  26 : 223-273 [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références], and Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) [3Sechrist K.R., Walker S.N., Pender N.J. Development and psychometric evaluation of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale Res Nurs Health 1987 ;  10 : 357-365

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références].

Consistent with previous research, the trans-theoretical model of behavior change was supported. That is, respondents classified in higher stages of motivational readiness to change reported higher levels of physical activity. This finding held for both exercising alone or with their children. Similarly, participants classified into higher stages of motivational readiness to change also reported greater perceived benefits and fewer perceived barriers to physical activity participation. Contrary to previous research, gender was not found to be a significant correlate of physical activity participation in this sample. Parental time demands emerged as a novel barrier to physical activity participation in the EBBS. Mothers in lower stages of motivational readiness to change were more likely to view parenting as a barrier to physical activity participation. Active parents, in higher stages of motivational readiness to change, were less likely to view parenting related time demands as barriers to physical activity participation and were more likely to engage in physical activity with their children.

The relationships between gender, parenting related time demands, physical activity participation and stage of motivational readiness to change are complex. However, since parenting has a unique effect on families’ daily physical activity engagement, a practical conclusion of the study is that healthy living interventions targeting families with young children need to incorporate the parental expectations and needs to perceived benefits and barriers.