Parents’ experiences of family-based physical activity interventions: a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

Background: Children and adolescents are at increased risk of adverse health consequences linked to physical inactivity. Parental support is positively correlated with children and adolescents’ physical activity (PA) levels. As a result, family-based interventions are acknowledged as an effective strategy for enhancing PA among this cohort. However, the effects of these interventions on child and adolescent PA are often inconsistent, with calls for more in-depth understanding of the contextual issues related to intervention implementation and parents’ experiences of interventions. The purpose of this review was to appraise and synthesize qualitative research regarding parents’ experiences of family-based PA interventions. Methods: Seven databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for studies published from inception to January 2024 that included qualitative evaluative data of parents’ experiences of family-based PA interventions. The research quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Qualitative data were extracted and thematically synthesized. Results: A total of 7,770 articles were screened, of which 82 independent studies were included in the final synthesis. Three analytic themes were generated. (1) The reasons why parents enrolled in family-based interventions and the perceived benefits for parents, children, and families; (2) Parents' perspectives on intervention components, including their satisfaction, coherence, and suggestions for improvement; (3) The social and environmental factors shaping parents’ intervention experiences and parental PA support. Findings show the benefits of PA, being a good role model and spending time together as motives for enrollment. Parents perceived child or adolescent’s PA confidence and overall well-being and family functioning improved. Parents presented mixed views about planning, goal setting, self-monitoring, intervention materials and resources, and delivery. Child or adolescents’ interest, social connections, financial constraints and availability of resources impacted parental engagement. Conclusions: This novel and comprehensive review offers practical recommendations to guide intervention development and inform future policy and practice such as: consider using co-design methods and social network analysis; promoting the benefits of PA on family functioning during recruitment; strengthening parents PA support identities; provide opportunities for social support for families post-intervention and educate coaches to create an environment of inclusivity and enjoyment. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42023421539.