Physical Activity Behaviours in the Workplace and Home in a University College Population

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) and low sedentariness have significant long-term health benefits. Achieving and measuring adequate levels of PA are difficult in office environments. This study’s primary aim was to evaluate PA levels and sedentariness within work and home settings. The accuracy of self-reported physical activity and accelerometer use acceptability were also determined.

Methods: 121 university staff, students and fellows (faculty) gave informed consent. Pre-study questionnaires on PA, sedentary time, mood and sleep were completed. Using a FitBit One accelerometer PA was monitored for 7 days. Steps were counted. PA intensity was categorized as light or moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA). Group differences were compared with Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation tests.

Results: Average pre-study activity estimation was 1.18 hrs/day (SD: 0.622) (95%CI ± 0.049). Subsequently, each participant averaged 1.49 hrs/day (SD: 0.98) walking; (70.9 mins/day (SD: 45.0) moderate activity (3–5 Metabolic Equivalents (METs); 20.5mins/day (SD: 17.2) vigorous activity (>5METs). Average daily sedentary time was 654.6 min (±152.3), with average time at work standing or in very light activity as 6.47 hrs (SD: 4.3 hrs) (<1.5METs). Self-estimated pre-study walking activity and objectively measured PA (R² = –0.172) were not correlated. Participant acceptability rating for device use was 87%.

Conclusion: All participants achieved near recommended PA levels. Work and home environments contributed reciprocally to daily totals. Significant differences between self-reported and measured PA levels indicates that both should be recorded.