BACKGROUND: The development of child's lifestyle occurs within regular 24-hour movement patterns under the guidance of parents. Accelerometer-based monitoring allows for the capture of these 24-hour movement patterns of behaviour. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal whether active participation in organised physical activity (OPA) contributed to the achievement of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines (24-hMBGS) among 3-10-year-old children, considering the influence of parents' movement behaviour and families' material background. METHODS: The 24-hour movement behaviour (24-hMB) of 348 child-parent pairs (with at least one parent) was continuously monitored for 7 days via ActiGraph accelerometers placed on the non-dominant wrist. Children's adherence to the WHO's 24-hMBGS was analysed using logistic regression analysis. The socioeconomic status (SES) of families was measured using the Family Affluence Scale. Body mass level was determined according to body mass index gender- and age-specific WHO reference data. Univariate analysis of variance/Pearson's chi-square test was used to test differences in sedentary behaviour duration/excess body weight between active participants and non-participants in OPA. RESULTS: Active 3-10-year-old participants in OPA, compared to non-participants, were significantly more likely to meet at least two of the 24-hMBGS (77.7% vs. 66.4%, p = 0.008), had significantly shorter daily sedentary time (by 30 min per day, p = 0.001), and a significantly lower prevalence of excessive body weight (10.26% vs. 24.87% p < 0.001). Engaging in OPA significantly (p < 0.01) helped 3-10-year-old children achieve at least two of the 24-hMBGS, regardless of their gender, age, excess body weight, or family SES. In addition, a mother's non-excessive body weight and achievement of at least two of the WHO's 24-hMBGS significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to children attaining at least two of the WHO's 24-hMBGS. CONCLUSIONS: Even in young children, active participation in OPA tend to contribute to a healthier lifestyle profile, characterised by shorter sedentary behaviour and lower excess body weight, with a significant influence from the mother's movement behaviour.

• Keywords
• 24-hour movement behaviour, Accelerometer, Father, Mother, Organised physical activity,
• MeSH
• Accelerometry MeSH
• Exercise * MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Parents MeSH
• Sedentary Behavior * MeSH
• Guidelines as Topic * MeSH
• Sleep MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study investigated the combined impact of family dynamics and school environments on physical activity levels in children aged 3-9 years across distinct segments of the school day. Conducted as part of the FAMIPASS project in the Czech Republic, the study collected data in 2022 and 2023 from 502 families affiliated with 36 preschools and primary schools. The device-based monitoring of movement behaviors in children and their parents was conducted over a one-week period using ActiGraph accelerometers, complemented by detailed family questionnaires. Regression analysis revealed that parental physical activity, BMI, and education level significantly influenced children's moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with educated parents more likely to raise active children. Active transport to school emerged as a key factor associated with higher child activity levels specifically in the time segment before school. This research underscores the role of family and school as critical arenas for promoting health and physical activity. These insights highlight the need for integrated family-school strategies to foster healthy activity habits in children, thereby laying the groundwork for a more active generation.

• Keywords
• accelerometry, child, family characteristics, movement behaviors, preschool, recommendations for physical activity,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH