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

J Occup Environ Med. 2026 Mar 1;68(3):248-255. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003580. Epub 2025 Oct 24.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: activity tracker; health care; occupational health; workplace.

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Adult
  • Exercise* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities* / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurses* / psychology
  • Nurses* / statistics & numerical data
  • Nursing Assistants* / psychology
  • Nursing Assistants* / statistics & numerical data
  • Professional Role
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Shift Work Schedule / psychology
  • Shift Work Schedule / statistics & numerical data
  • Wearable Electronic Devices