A cross-sectional analysis between physical activity levels, weight status and empathy-related behaviors in a sample of Tuscany primary school children.

Abstract Purpose. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and the development of relational empathy skills in children, taking into account weight status. Methods. Parents/guardians of primary school children were involved in filling out a questionnaire: the Empathy Questionnaire (EmQue-I13) and children were asked to complete the PAQ-C to investigate the self-reported PA levels. The weight status was assessed using a self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI). Results. 370 parents or guardians of students who attended primary school (8.53±1.61 yrs) were recruited. The total score was 2.41±0.89 for PAQ-C and 41.17±6.32 for EmQue-I13. The three domains of EmQue-I13 were: Contagion (8.16±2.67), Attention to Others’ Feelings (19.40±2.99) and Prosocial actions (13.62±3.01). Linear regression models showed that a higher PAQ-C score was positively associated with empathy-related total score p <0.001. Weight status, age and gender were not associated with EmQue-I13. Conclusion. Our results underline the positive association between physical activity and the development of relational empathic skills.