Abstract
This study aims to assess the relationship of the levels of physical activities among working adults over a period of seven consecutive days, between working days and days off. This cross-sectional study used a sealed pedometer to measure the physical activity of working adults in terms of their number of daily walking steps on working days and days off. A voluntary sample of 745 working adults aged 18 – 64, who were recruited from different occupational categories in Hong Kong, had completed the study. The participants were fairly active when compared against the recommended levels of physical activity. The average daily walking steps reached 8,400 over a period of seven consecutive days. A significant difference was found between the number of walking steps on working days and that on days off. Two groups of working adults who walked less at work were plant and machine operators and assemblers, and clerks. A significant positive correlation was also found between physical activities on working days and those on days off. One's walking steps on working days were found to significantly increase one's walking steps on days off when the effect of age and gender were controlled in the analysis of multiple regressions. Physical activities on a working day are likely to determine those on a day off. Sedentary work habits may induce sedentary activities on days off. The results inform us that health promotion campaigns, for allowing exceptional levels of activities at workplaces should be undertaken to encourage working adults in Hong Kong.
Highlights
Hong Kong has been being transformed from a manufacturing to a service economy since the 1990s [1]
No significant difference was found in the walking steps on working days between the excluded and included participants
The major finding of this study is that decreasing physical activity levels on a working day are likely to reproduce the same level on days off
Summary
Hong Kong has been being transformed from a manufacturing to a service economy since the 1990s [1]. Most jobs in Hong Kong involve providing assistance, such as in finance and accounting, legal consulting for business, and tourist accommodation, rather than in manufacturing. The amount of physical activity during both working and leisure time is the key determinant of energy expenditure. A healthy lifestyle recommendation should be that of at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity type activity on most, and preferably all days of the week [4]. This practice can improve cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance and strength, and body composition and flexibility. Regular physical activities effectively reduce the risk of obesity and prevent chronic illness, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus [6]
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