Are physical activity levels of health care professionals consistent with activity guidelines? A prospective cohort study in New Zealand

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the level of physical activity undertaken by health care professionals and the proportion that achieved a daily target of 10,000 steps. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. SETTING: Participants were recruited in Wellington Regional Hospital, a tertiary hospital in New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: Neurology, Cardiology, and Endocrinology staff were invited to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pedometer-measured step counts were recorded over seven days and the proportion that achieved a daily target of 10,000 steps was calculated. RESULTS: We included 50 staff in the study. The mean daily step count was 10,620 (standard deviation = 3141) with a median daily step count of 10,606 (interquartile range = 7791–12,469). Sixty-five per cent of the staff achieved 10,000 steps per day. CONCLUSION: This cohort was more active compared to other pedometer-based studies in health care professionals. The daily target of 10,000 steps per day was achieved at a higher proportion than reported in international studies and the general New Zealand.