Quantitative Assessment of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants Using Wrist-Worn Accelerometers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore how occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interact with nurses assigned to different roles (ie, registered and assistants).

METHODS

Twenty-two professional nurses were monitored for 7 days, using a wearable accelerometer. Based on raw data, physical activity (PA) was classified as sedentary behavior, and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity PA.

RESULTS

In comparison with registered nurses, certified nursing assistants spent less time in sedentary behavior (29% vs 53%) and more time in moderate-intensity PA (20% vs 8.8%) and vigorous-intensity PA (20.5% vs 9.1%) during working shifts. In contrast, LTPA levels were similar across the groups (~30%). Associations between OPA and LTPA differed by role.

CONCLUSION

Among nurses, job roles shape the OPA-LTPA relationship. Measuring PA provides essential evidence for designing workplace interventions that promote balanced activity and recovery.