Analysis of physical activity levels during a working day in teachers at a school

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the levels of physical activity during a work day in teachers from a private school

Methodology: A descriptive comparative correlational study was carried out. Twenty teachers (7 men and 13 women) from different educational levels (10 from pre-school, 5 from primary and 5 from secondary) were included, the age range was 20 to 60 years. Physical activity was measured by means of pedometers. Weight and height were evaluated and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. They were categorized into normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Results: Teachers categorized with normal weight walked 2513.14±253.0 steps, the overweight group walked 2422.75±189.1 steps, and the obese group walked 1951.00±159.4 steps (p<0.05). When categorized by age ranges, teachers in the 20-29 age range walked 2731.14±216.6 steps, the 30-39 age group walked 3727.50±277.6 steps, they were the ones who walked the most in relation to the other age ranges (40 to 49 years and >50 years).

Conclusion: The study revealed that primary and secondary school teachers have low levels of physical activity at school. However, teachers aged 30 to 39 walk more during their workday, which translates into greater caloric expenditure. In addition, those with a normal BMI are more active and maintain better levels of physical activity in relation to their overweight and obese counterparts.