Daughters and Mothers Exercising Together (DAMET): Effects of Home- and University-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Behavior and Family Relations

This study compared two interventions in terms of impact on physical activity participation and mother-daughter relations. Previously sedentary mothers and daughters (N = 34) were randomly assigned to a 12-week university- or home-based physical activity group. Program activities were designed using focus group information, aspects of the social cognitive theory, and information from previously successful interventions. The university-based group met three times a week for fitness building and recreational activities. The home-based group received a packet of information and training to perform activities in or near the home. Changes in physical activity and family bonding were assessed for mothers and daughters separately using a 2 (group)(2 (time) repeated measures analysis of variance. On completing the program, mothers and daughters in each group reported increased participation in physical activity (p=.02 to .000). The majority of mothers (94%) and daughters (88%) agreed that "my relationship with my daughter/mother has improved as a result of participating in physical activity together." On the Parental Bonding Instrument daughters reported no statistically significant changes in their perceptions of "mom's level of caring" (p=.73); however, "mom's level of control" (p ≤ .05) increased. Group by Time interactions were not significant, indicating that there were no differences between results from either program. Both home- and university-based physical activity programs may be viable paradigms in which to improve family relations and increase physical activity.