Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
Admissions Officer, while a member of the Portering Department
burned the most (809.46 kcal/min).
Thirty eight percent (38%) of staff studied did no high intensity
activity at all during work hours, while a CNS in Haemovigalence did
more than twice as much as all other subject (580.35 kcal/8 hours)
who were active at that level.
In the recommended intensity filed (see figure 2.0), the sum of
moderate and high intensity, a Porter was again most active (946
kcal/8 hours), while a Consultant Gynaecologist was least active (11
kcal/8 hours).
Overall more total activity calories were expended by the Senior
Physiotherapist (1,290.15/ 8 hours), while the least amount of total
activity was performed by a Senior Nurse in the Emergency
Department (176.45 kcal/8 hours).
Only forty two percent (42%) of staff achieved the minimal amount
of recommended daily physical activity to prevent ill health (≥ 200
kcal/day in the sum of moderate and high intensity activity) during
working hours.
Professionals listed on figure 2.0 from and including the
Radiography Services Manager upwards, failed to meet the minimal
daily activity guideline from work related activity alone.
Conclusion. In general, hospital staff do not get enough physical
activity from work alone.
Recommendation. While at work, hospital workers ought to
consider supplementing their activity levels by taking the stairs
instead of the elevator, or walking a little more briskly when
possible. In addition, regular moderate intensity home exercise is
advised.
References;
Ainsworth, B.E., Haskell, W.L., Whitt, M.C., Irwin, M.L., Schwartz,
A.M., Strath, S.J., O’Brien, W.L., Bassett, D.R., jr, Schmitz, K.H.,
Emplaincourt, P.O., Jacobs, J.R., Leon, A.S. (2000) Compendium of
physical activities: an update of activity codes and MET intensities.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(9), pp. S498-S504.
Pate, R.R., Pratt, M., Blair, S.N., Haskell, W.L., Macera, C.A.,
Bouchard, C., Buchner, D., Ettinger, W., Heath, G.W., King, A.C.,
Kriska, A., Leon, A.S., Marcus, B.H., Morris, J., Paffenbarge , R.S.,
Patrick, K., Pollock, M.L., Rippe, J.M., Sallis, J., Wilmore, J.H.
(1995) Physical activity and public health. A recommendation from
the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the American
College of Sports Medicine. Journal of the American Medical
Association, 273 (5), pp. 402-407.
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