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.