Mum and baby activity levels 'directly linked'

Physical activity among mothers creates a larger degree of activity from their children, according to a new study. Research has revealed that if a mum has higher levels of activity, so to will their children. 

A UK study looked at 554 mums and their four-year-old children, finding that activity from the adult prompts activity from the child. Scientists from Southampton and Cambridge Universities measured the activity of each of the women and children via heart monitors across a seven-day period. 

They found that children are not simply "naturally active" and much of their physical activity is dependent upon their parents. This means that mums and dads are able to influence the exercise habits of their children from an early age, which could lead to better health levels later on.

Unfortunately, according to the study, the activity levels of many mums are well below recommended levels, which could drastically impact the future health and activity of their children.

Kathryn Hesketh, co-leader of the study, said the data collected from the lightweight combined heart-rate monitor and accelerometer, which was worn at all times by both adults and children, showed there was a correlation between the amount of activity within the mothers and their children. 

"The more activity a mother did, the more active her child. Although it is not possible to tell from this study whether active children were making their mothers run around after them, it is likely that activity in one of the pair influences activity in the other," she continued.

The researchers found that for each minute the mother engaged in moderate-to-vigorous exercise, her baby was likely to engage in around ten per cent more of the same level of activity. It was also found that if a mum spent an hour being still, her child would also be sedentary for around 10.8 minutes. The scientists suggest that, over time, these small differences could be highly significant.

Although many mothers find their activity levels fall after having a child, the research suggests working to increase exercise could impact the health of both mum and baby in a positive manner.