Understanding parental physical activity behaviours in parents of children with disabilities: An expanded theory of planned behaviour approach

ABSTRACT Background The purpose of the current study was to examine association between physical activity (PA) of parents of children with developmental disabilities and theory of planned behaviour-related variables. Methods A total of 95 participants completed questionnaires that measured the following variables: PA behaviours, action planning, intention, affective attitude, instrumental attitude. A path analysis was used to examine the associations between the variables. Results Among participants, 40% did not meet the PA guideline. PA affective attitude was positively associated with PA intention (β = 0.30, p = .009) and PA action planning (β = .22, p = .03). In turn, both PA intention and PA action planning were associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA in parents of children with developmental disabilities (β = 0.23, p = .008; β = 0.52, p < .001, respectively). Conclusion Physical activity in parents of children with developmental disabilities were appropriately explained by theory of planned behaviour-related variables.