Direct and Indirect Parental Support for Meeting Physical Activity Recommendations Among Chilean Children and Adolescents

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is vital during development, yet compliance with the 60-min daily moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) recommendation remains low in Chile. This study examined direct and indirect support reported by mothers and fathers and their separate associations with children’s and adolescents’ compliance with MVPA recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 246 schoolchildren (ages 9–19) from three cities. PA was assessed via the YAP questionnaire, while parental support was measured through a 5-item scale. Logistic regression models identified associations with meeting PA guidelines. Results: Only 32.1% of students met PA recommendations, with significant gender disparities (boys 47.7% vs. girls 15.3%). Two paternal instrumental support behaviours were significantly associated with meeting MVPA recommendations: providing transportation (OR = 1.52) and financial support during weekdays (OR = 3.36). None of the maternal support behaviours examined showed statistically significant associations. Conclusions: Paternal logistical and financial contributions are decisive for children’s PA, whereas mothers reported several support behaviours more frequently than fathers. Paternal transportation and weekday financial support were positively associated with meeting MVPA recommendations. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these forms of support contribute prospectively to children’s and adolescents’ PA.