Blue and White Collar Employees in Terms of Physical Activity

The aim of our study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity levels and general physical fitness levels of blue-collar and white-collar employees working in a similar field in the university environment.

White-collar employees consisted of academic and administrative staff (n:50) and blue-collar employees consisted of technical service personnel (n:50). In the study, demographic data collection form was used to evaluate demographic data, International Physical Activity Level Questionnaire was used to evaluate physical activity level, 360-degree rotation test was used to evaluate dynamic balance among physical fitness parameters, Short Physical Performance Battery was used to evaluate physical performance, analogue dynamometer was used to evaluate grasp strength, and 30-second sit-to-stand test was used to evaluate muscular endurance.

BACKGROUND: Due to the long hours spent in business life, the nature of the job can affect the physical activity and physical fitness level of individuals. Although some studies have been conducted showing that university employees have low levels of physical activity due to their jobs, there is no study comparing blue- and white-collar university employees whose job descriptions are more similar than in other fields.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity levels and general physical fitness levels of blue-collar and white-collar employees working in a similar field in the university environment.

METHODS: The present study was of a quantitative nature, with two groups, and was conducted with the participation of academic, administrative, and technical service personnel working throughout the university. The university was located in a developed country with a high income level. A total of 124 university personnel were pre-registered for the study, including 64 academic staff, 60 administrative staff, and 60 technical service personnel. Twenty-four personnel were excluded from the study due to non-compliance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The exclusion of ten personnel was due to their advanced age (over 50 years), two due to orthopaedic problems, eight due to non-signing of informed consent, and four due to their occupation as professional athletes. The white-collar employees consist of academic and administrative staff (n: 50), and the blue-collar employees consist of technical service personnel (n: 50).

The study was conducted without the groups meeting each other and without prior knowledge about the measurements. All measurements were performed in a standardized manner and data collected in a single session. The measurements were conducted in suitable areas determined on the university's campus. All measurements were performed by the same researcher to ensure the consistency of the results.

In the study, a demographic data collection form was used to evaluate demographic data, International Physical Activity Level Questionnaire was used for physical activity level, 360-degree rotation test was used to evaluate dynamic balance among physical fitness parameters, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was used to evaluate physical performance. Also, the analog dynamometer was used to evaluate grasp strength, and 30-second sit-to-stand test was utilized to assess muscular endurance.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* being a contracted or permanent staff member of the university
* being between 18-50 years of age, being able to walk independently for 150 meters or more
* having given consent forms to participate in the study voluntarily.

Exclusion Criteria:

* having a health problem that would prevent movement and mobility
* being a professional or amateur licensed athlete
* having taken at least a day off work in the last week.