Physical activity and attitudes in lean and obese children and their mothers

Forty pairs of biologically related mothers and children were recruited to determine (1) if differences existed in physical activity levels of obese and nonobese children and (2) if their activity or attitude toward it was influenced by maternal activity and attitudes. Ultimately, the goal was to identify whether certain maternal factors (her adiposity, activity level, and/or attitude toward activity) related to the child's adipose level. Children were classified as obese or nonobese by skinfold thickness. Mothers and children completed either the ATPA or CATPA, attitude measurement instruments. Each wore a Caltrac activity monitor for two consecutive days. No significant difference was found between obese and nonobese boys' and girls' physical activity level nor their total attitude toward physical activity. However, significant gender differences were found for the vertigo and aesthetic dimensions. When children's adiposity and gender were considered as interacting factors, differences were also found for the attitude dimensions of health and fitness, and catharsis. There were no significant relationships between child and maternal activity level, attitude toward physical activity, and adipose level. Obese and nonobese children had similar levels of physical activity and attitudes toward activity, unrelated to the maternal factors measured. Although attitudes were positive, physical activity levels for both groups were rather low -- and not likely to help in weight control efforts.