Quantitative Assessment of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants Using Wrist-Worn Accelerometers

Objective: This study aimed to explore how occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) interact with nurses assigned to different roles (i.e., registered and assistants). Methods: Twenty-two professional nurses were monitored for 7 days, using a wearable accelerometer. Based on raw data, PA was classified as sedentary behavior (SB), light, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA (LPA, MPA, VPA). Results: In comparison with registered nurses, certified nursing assistants spent less time in SB (29% vs. 53%), and more time in MPA (20% vs. 8.8%) and VPA (20.5% vs. 9.1%) during working shifts. In contrast, LTPA levels were similar across the groups (~30%). Associations between OPA and LTPA differed by role. Conclusion: Among nurses, job roles shape the OPA-LTPA relationship. Measuring PA provides essential evidence for designing workplace interventions that promote balanced activity and recovery.