Parental perceptions of children’s out-of-school physical activity and family-based physical activity interventions

This study explored parents' physical activity knowledge and perceptions of children’s out-of-school physical activity to formatively contribute to a family-based intervention design. Parents were largely unaware of the UK child physical activity guidelines and whether their child achieved the guidelines daily. Physical activity for many parents was attributed to healthy weight status, and the neighbourhood environment was perceived as unconducive to children’s outdoor play which consequently increased the attractiveness of adult supervised organised activities. Family-based intervention engagement was considered as an important opportunity to increase physical activity knowledge, family time, and receive feedback on activity behaviours. Parental concerns related to intervention content and logistic and timing barriers. Consulting with parents in a formative sense prior to familial physical activity intervention facilitates intervention content to be aligned with family-specific perceptions and needs, and offers opportunities to communicate the relevance of programs to parents. This may aid subsequent intervention recruitment and engagement.