Pedometeric quantification of the influence of jobs and field of study on physical activity patterns on a college campus

Abstract

The World Health Organization considers physical activity (PA) a fundamental link in preventing non-communicable diseases. In this sense, the workplace is internationally recognized as a framework for studying and promoting health. The aim of this study is to use pedometers to quantify levels of PA in different professional strata on a university campus (students, teachers, administrative officers and cleaning staff). The PA patterns were determined on the basis of the number of steps taken and how they varied according to working days or holidays. The results show a characteristic pattern common to all strata, determined by decreased PA at the weekends. Except for the administration sector, the other groups met the daily recommendations of PA according to steps. The university environment can be considered an enabling environment for PA and an appropriate one for promoting plans to improve health both inside and outside of it.