Physical activity maintenance and increase in Chinese children and adolescents: the role of intrinsic motivation and parental support

ObjectiveThis longitudinal study aimed to examine the association of intrinsic motivation, parental physical activity, and parental support with physical activity maintenance and increase among children and adolescents.MethodsA sample of 2,424 children and adolescents in Shanghai, China participated in the two-wave survey before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire measured children and adolescents’ physical activity and intrinsic motivation, as well as their parental physical activity and support (concern for their child and co-activity with their child). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed by groups to examine the associations between these factors and physical activity change.ResultsMost children and adolescents exhibited a decline in physical activity participation during the pandemic, as indicated by a mere 15.0 and 8.0% of individuals maintaining and increasing their pre-pandemic levels, respectively. Among the initially active participants, perceived self-choice [OR = 1.341 (95%CI: 1.173–1.533)] and parental concern [OR = 1.922 (95%CI: 1.204–3.068)] predicted maintained physical activity. Increased physical activity was predicted by perceived enjoyment [OR = 1.193 (95%CI: 1.046–1.362)] and parental co-activity (OR = 1.995 [95%CI: 1.095–3.633]).ConclusionThis study provides longitudinal evidence that intrinsic motivation and parental support can have a positive impact when physical activity levels change significantly. Effective interventions targeting multilevel factors are needed to maintain or increase children and adolescents’ physical activity.