Association between the physical activity levels of parents and their children: a review update of Brazilian studies – Report Card Brazil

Associação entre os níveis de atividade física dos pais e dos filhos: uma atualização de estudos brasileiros – Report Card Brasil

Abstract

Abstract  This updated systematic review aimed to expand and update the available evidence, based on studies conducted in Brazil, regarding the relationship between the physical activity levels of parents and their children. Searches were conducted in September 2025 and were performed in the following databases: Medline via OVID, Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO, LILACS, and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO. Terms related to physical activity (i.e. physical exercise, walking, running, sport, motor activity) children/adolescents (i.e. child, adolescent, preschool), and social support (i.e. encouragement, incentive) were used. Longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and cross-sectional studies investigating the level of physical activity of children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) and their respective parents were included. As exclusion criteria, systematic review was not included. The results were described narratively and presented in figures. Initially, 3,507 studies were reported, of which 8 were included in the update. Total of 7,740 children and adolescents (47% to 59% female), with at least one parent being evaluated, totaling 7,039 adults (50% to 92% mothers). All included studies showed a positive association between the level of physical activity of parents and their respective children. According to this updated systematic review, the parental physical activity was positively associated with children’s physical activity in Brazilian samples.

Key words:
Youth; Life style; Fathers; Mothers; Familiar support