A Parental Support Intervention for Children's Nature-Based Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week, WeChat-based parental support intervention designed to increase parents' support for children's physical activity in outdoor natural spaces. Participants were randomly assigned to a Self-Determination Theory plus identity intervention group, a Self-Determination Theory intervention group, or an education control group. Across the intervention period, each group received two articles per week via a WeChat Official Account, which were disseminated through condition-specific WeChat groups. The primary outcome was parental support for children's physical activity in outdoor natural spaces. Secondary outcomes included children's physical activity in outdoor natural spaces and theory-based psychological variables related to parental support. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 8 weeks after the intervention had ended. Findings are intended to inform the development of feasible, theory-informed digital interventions to enhance parental support for children's nature-based physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria: * Families with at least one child aged 6 to 12 years * Child has no contraindications for physical activity (as confirmed by parent report) * Family owns a smartphone and is proficient in using WeChat (self-rated proficiency ≥ 4 on a 5-point scale) * Family has engaged in natural environment physical activities ≤ 2 times per month in the past 3 months * Parent or legal guardian is willing to provide informed consent and participate in the 12-week intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Child has a medical condition or disability that prevents participation in physical activity * Family is currently participating in another physical activity intervention study * Family plans to move out of the study area within the next 6 months * Inability to read or understand Chinese (as intervention content is delivered in Chinese)