Affiliation:
1. Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health crisis that is exposing children to associated morbidities and premature mortality. However, parents can positively influence physical activity trajectories and improve health outcomes by nurturing fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children. This is the first study to explore the determinants of family FMS practice via a systematic synthesis of qualitative evidence. Methods: Keyword searches were completed in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Studies that offered perspectives relating to influences on the FMS of 2–6-year-old children in the family context via qualitative approaches, including visual methodologies that provided an important voice to children, were included. A thematic analysis was used to establish key themes. Results: The emergent themes included parent knowledge and beliefs, self-efficacy of parents to teach, and the home environment. Parents often undervalued FMS and lacked the self-efficacy to teach due to poor understanding, conflicting priorities, and multifaceted societal influences. Children preferred autonomous play and socialisation but were negatively influenced by technology and restrictive household rules. Conclusions: Greater knowledge exchange between stakeholders is necessary to empower parents and enhance FMS application at home. More community initiatives could facilitate greater access to outdoor spaces, facilities, and equipment, which may improve family engagement with FMS.