Journal CME, May 2022: Attitudes and behaviors of physical activity in children: Findings from the Play, Lifestyle & Activity in Youth (PLAY) Questionnaire-Article.pdf

Article.pdf

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The study titled "Attitudes and behaviors of physical activity in children: Findings from the Play, Lifestyle & Activity in Youth (PLAY) Questionnaire" aims to investigate physical literacy domains and analyze the relationship between parent and child responses. Data were collected from 106 children (ages 6-11) and 91 parents from a suburban youth program.<br /><br />The study highlights key findings on children’s enjoyment of physical activity, with 93.3% reporting enjoyment in physical education despite limited participation (70% engaged 0-1 day/week). Approximately two-thirds preferred active play (66.6%) and played outside frequently. Most children reported performing at similar or higher levels than their peers and felt happy when physically active.<br /><br />Parent and child responses revealed family rules around screen time and bedtime were commonly enforced. Analysis showed substantial agreement between child and parent responses on physical activity habits, supporting the PLAY questionnaire's internal validity.<br /><br />The study emphasizes the importance of physical literacy, which includes knowledge/understanding, behavior, motivation/confidence, and physical competency, in fostering sustained participation in physical activity. Results suggest strong parental influence and a supportive environment are crucial for developing positive physical activity habits in children.<br /><br />The findings underscore the need for early interventions promoting physical literacy to counter the decline in physical activity as children age. Despite a high proportion of parents and children in the study perceiving they meet physical activity guidelines, broader data suggest actual compliance is lower, indicating potential overestimation of activity levels.<br /><br />Limitations include the potential selection bias due to the study’s setting in a single suburban YMCA program and its focus on perceptions rather than the exact quantification of physical activity. Overall, this research highlights attitudes and behaviors supportive of sustained physical activity and underscores the importance of physical literacy in childhood.

Keywords

physical literacy

children

physical activity

PLAY questionnaire

parent-child responses

physical education enjoyment

active play

screen time rules

family influence

early interventions