Higher maternal physical fitness is associated with a more favorable 24-hour movement behavior profile in preschool children, including greater sleep duration, higher physical activity, and lower sedentary time.
In a cross-sectional study of 161 preschool children aged 4-6 years, maternal physical fitness (moderate vs. low) was associated with increased child sleep duration (β=0.41 h/night), higher total physical activity (β=60.70 min/day), higher light physical activity (β=32.80 min/day), higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β=27.88 min/day), and lower sedentary time (β=-52.70 min/day). No significant associations were found for paternal physical fitness or parental moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with child anthropometry, motor competence, or physical fitness.
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Higher maternal physical fitness is associated with a more favorable 24-hour movement behavior profile in preschool children, including greater sleep duration, higher physical activity, and lower sedentary time. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Higher maternal physical fitness is associated with a more favorable 24-hour movement behavior profile in preschool children, including greater sleep duration, higher physical activity, and lower sedentary time.
This conclusion is most relevant to: 161 preschool children aged 4-6 years (80 girls) and their mothers (n=90) and fathers (n=81) from public schools in Pamplona, Spain and nearby municipalities..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Associations of parental physical activity and physical fitness with motor competence, physical fitness, anthropometry, and 24-hour movement behaviors in preschool children: A cross-sectional study. (Journal of exercise science and fitness, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Mothers with higher physical fitness may model active behaviors and engage in more physical activity with their children
- ▸Higher maternal fitness may facilitate structured routines and opportunities for child movement
- ▸These routines may promote increased child physical activity and sleep while reducing sedentary time
- ▸Result: More favorable 24-hour movement behavior profile in children
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸161 preschool children aged 4-6 years (80 girls) and their mothers (n=90) and fathers (n=81) from public schools in Pamplona, Spain and nearby municipalities.
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Small sample size and potential selection bias due to voluntary participation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does parental physical activity directly improve children's motor skills or fitness?▼
No, this study found no significant associations between parental moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or physical fitness and children's motor competence, physical fitness, or anthropometry.
What specific child behaviors were associated with higher maternal fitness?▼
Children of mothers with moderate vs. low physical fitness showed greater sleep duration, higher total physical activity, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and lower sedentary time.
Was there any effect of paternal physical activity on children?▼
Yes, higher paternal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was positively associated with child total physical activity and light physical activity, but not with other outcomes.
What does this study suggest for parental involvement in children's health?▼
The findings suggest that focusing on child-level and setting-level strategies for movement opportunities may be more effective than solely targeting parental physical activity or fitness.
References
- 1.Alonso-Martínez L, Ramírez-Vélez R, Duncan M, Izquierdo M, Alonso-Martínez A. “Associations of parental physical activity and physical fitness with motor competence, physical fitness, anthropometry, and 24-hour movement behaviors in preschool children: A cross-sectional study..” Journal of exercise science and fitness, 2026. PMID: 42471916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2026.200494