Blue and White Collar Employees in Terms of Physical Activity

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Physical Activity; Physical Fitness; Employees of University
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: Physical Fitness; Diagnostic test: Physical activity

Detailed Description

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.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 100

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Erzurum, Turkey, 25050
    • Erzurum Technical University Health Science Faculty

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Our sample consisted of blue and white collar personnel working at a university.

Description

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.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
White-collar; Academic and administrative employees of the University	Diagnostic test: Physical Fitness; Physical fitness levels of blue- and white-collar university workers were measured and compared.; Diagnostic test: Physical activity; Weekly physical activity levels of blue- and white-collar university workers were measured and compared.
Blue-collar; Technical employees of the University	Diagnostic test: Physical Fitness; Physical fitness levels of blue- and white-collar university workers were measured and compared.; Diagnostic test: Physical activity; Weekly physical activity levels of blue- and white-collar university workers were measured and compared.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Demographic Data	Demographic Data Collection Form was used. This includes such metrics as participant number, age, gender, employment status, working hours, stature, mass, body mass index, smoking habits, and patterns of alcohol consumption.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"
Weekly Physical Activity Level	The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a tool designed to assess levels of physical activity. This scale is a self-report measure of physical activity. The questionnaire in question is designed to assess the level of physical activity undertaken by the subject over the preceding seven days.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"
Dynamic Balance	The 360-degree rotation test is a methodical procedure that is conducted in accordance with the established protocol. The participant is instructed to step on a marked point with the foot of their choosing. Following a demonstration by the examiner, the participant is instructed to rotate in the direction of their choosing, provided that they do not take a step with their fixed foot. The test is considered complete once the participant returns to the initial position. The duration of the test is recorded by issuing a command to the participant to commence the test. The test is then repeated twice to ensure reliability. Should the total time exceed 3.8 seconds, it is indicated that there is a risk of falling.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"
Physical performance	The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a comprehensive evaluation tool that assesses various aspects of physical performance. The SPPB is composed of three distinct components: firstly, a standing balance test; secondly, a 4-metre walking speed test; and thirdly, a five repetition sit-and-stand test. Each component of the SPPB is assigned a score ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 denoting the inability to perform the test and 4 representing the highest performance category. The maximum attainable score is 12, denoting optimal bodily functionality.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"
Handgrip strength	Sanlindou 287 Ibs was assessed with a dynamometer from Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The handgrip strength was selected as a preliminary indicator of the global upper extremity muscle strength level. The participants were instructed to grasp the dynamometer in a standard position (sitting position, shoulder adduction, elbow 90 degrees flexed, and forearm in a neutral position) and to attempt to squeeze the device with maximum voluntary contraction. The measurement was repeated three times, and the highest value or average value was recorded.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"
Lower limb endurance	The 30-second sit-to-stand test is a method of evaluating an individual's lower body strength and endurance. This test is designed to evaluate the participant's endurance in performing sit-ups. The number of sit-ups performed within a 30-second time frame is documented. Participants demonstrating fewer than ten repetitions are considered to have inadequate endurance.	"From October 2023 to June 2024"

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Erzurum Technical University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): October 11, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 30, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): June 15, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 16, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 16, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 24, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 24, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 16, 2025
• Last Verified: April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Physical Activity; Fitness; University; Worker
• Other Study ID Numbers: mehmet.sonmez1

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: It was stated in informed consent that the information regarding participant will not be shared to any side.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No