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Published on: March 7, 2019
Objectively-measured physical activity in New Zealand workers
G Schofield1, H Badlands, M Oliver
1Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|August 4, 2005
Summary
Objective physical activity measurements in New Zealand workers reveal significant differences across occupations. Retail and blue-collar jobs showed higher activity levels, highlighting the impact of occupation on daily physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- No prior objective physical activity data existed for New Zealand adults.
- The contribution of work-related activity to total daily physical activity was unquantified by gender and occupation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure physical activity levels in New Zealand workers.
- To analyze physical activity differences by gender, occupation, and lifestyle factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pedometer step counts over three days for 180 adult workers across six occupational categories.
- Employed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc tests to compare occupational groups.
- Calculated odds ratios to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Females and males showed similar daily step counts (9943 vs. 9766).
- 57% of the sample met the 10,000 steps/day criterion for being at least low-active.
- Retail and blue-collar workers exhibited significantly higher work and total physical activity compared to other occupations.
- Active transportation and passive recreation correlated with higher work activity; TV/computer use linked to lower non-work activity, while sports participation increased it.
Conclusions:
- Occupational category significantly influences workplace and total physical activity levels in New Zealand workers.
- Lifestyle factors like active transportation and sports participation are associated with higher physical activity.
- Objective measurement provides crucial data for targeted public health interventions in occupational settings.
