The Role of Parental Physical Activity Behaviors on Parental Physical Activity Support in Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The role of parental physical activity (PA) behaviors in promoting PA support for children with developmental disabilities (DDs) is unclear. The study examined differences in parental PA support between inactive and active parents of children with DDs, and investigated the association between parental PA behaviors and three types of support: encouragement, co-participation in PA activities (co-PA), and logistical support. A total of 319 parents of children with DDs participated in an online survey. Utilizing exploratory factor analysis, independent t-tests, and multiple regression analyses, the study revealed significantly lower levels of all three types of parental PA support provided by inactive parents compared to active parents. Additionally, the dummy coded variable representing parental PA behavior groups (active vs. inactive group) emerged as a significant predictor of all three types of support: encouragement (β = -.20, <i>p</i> <.001), co-PA (β = -.43, <i>p</i> <.001), and logistic support (β = -.35, <i>p</i> <.001). For professionals working with families in this context, the crucial role of parental PA behaviors in shaping PA support for children with DDs should be considered.