Evaluation of Blue and White Collar Employees in Terms of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness (University Example)

Abstract

Background Due to the long hours spent in business life, the nature of the job can affect the physical activity and physical fitness level. 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 this 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 study was a quantitative study with two groups. The study was carried out with the participation of academic, administrative and technical service personnel working throughout the university. 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, physical activity and physical fitness levels were assessed.Results As a result of the comparison of groups, statistically significant differences were found in favour of the blue-collar group for all physical activity and physical fitness parameters. Linear regression analysis showed that physical activity level was effective on dynamic balance and physical endurance,Conclusion Blue-collar university employees were better in terms of physical activity and physical fitness. White-collar university employees do not expend too much physical energy due to their job descriptions, while blue-collar employees are more physically active. Therefore, it seems that some regulations are needed to make white-collar university employees more active.