Pedometer based physical activity levels and cardiometabolic risk profile of community-based pharmacy employees

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that physical activity behaviour during working hours in pharmacy employees is adequate enough to meet international daily physical activity recommendations. This has important implications for health and of course productivity and absenteeism as much research has shown the benefits of maintaining adequate physical activity levels. The aims of this study were to determine if pharmacy employees reached the daily recommended physical activity levels during normal working hours, and to obtain a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile of the same individuals. Participants (n=24) were recruited from four Gauteng pharmacies. Traditional CVD risk factors (body mass index, circumferences, blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood glucose) were obtained from participants all of whom were required to wear a pedometer for five working days. BMI and WHR were measured in accordance with procedures recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine and blood pressure was measured with an automated blood pressure wrist monitor. Capillary blood was obtained via fingerpick for the measurement of glucose and cholesterol following a 9-12 hour fasting. Physical activity as measured by steps per working day was substantially below (¡«40%) the recommended target and the prevalence of individuals who exhibited increased risk for CVD was as high as 50% for multiple risk factors. The results of this pilot study confirm that pharmacy employees are required to engage in additional physical activity above and beyond that which they accumulate during their normal working hours.