Ocena różnych form aktywności fizycznej pracowników umysłowych

Background: The appropriate level of physical activity according to WHO recommendations for adults aged 18–64 years is 150 minutes per week in multiple shorter bouts of at least 10 minutes each: e.g., 30 minutes of moderateintensity activity 5 times per week. Regular physical activity is essential for health and well-being at any age. Many studies conducted among residents of the Silesian province have confirmed that their physical activity is insufficient. Data from a survey conducted in 2004 by the Central Statistical Office of Poland showed that the surveyed residents of the Silesian province older than 15 years of age spent their leisure time mostly in a passive way, or took activities not requiring intense physical effort. Therefore, we undertook a study evaluating physical activity in a selected group of white-collar workers who spent most of the time during the day in a seated position. Objective of the study: The objective of the study was to evaluate various forms of physical activity undertaken by white-collar workers. Material and methods: In the project, a questionnaire survey was conducted in a selected group of white-collar workers which consisted of employees of the City Office of Sosnowiec. A total of 191 persons took part in the survey: 57 (29.8%) men and 134 (70.2%) women. Survey questions concerned different forms of physical activity taken by white-collar workers. Results: Physical activity in the study group of whitecollar workers varied significantly depending on the gender. Males more willingly engaged in various forms of sports activity than women. Men were found to jog, play ball games and tennis, and exercise in the gym more readily than women. However, women reported taking walks, exercising, or riding on rollers significantly more often than men. The activity of women was associated with housework, such as cleaning, doing laundry, shopping, or cooking, to a greater extent than that of men. Men more often than women travelled by car, and this difference was statistically significant. By contrast, women more often than men travelled to work on foot or by public transport. Conclusions: The majority of respondents (80.1%) declare taking physical activity. However, the analysis of questionnaire data shows that respondents spend their leisure time mainly in a passive way or on low-intensity activities, which do not require substantial physical effort, such as walks, gymnastics, activities at the swimming pool, or cycling. The results point to the need for more effective promotion of physical activity (particularly in the leisure time) amongst white-collar employees who spend most of the time at work in a seated position.