Background: Research suggests that one-third of Norwegian adults satisfy national health recommendations for physical activity, but little knowledge exists regarding activity levels in different occupations.
Objectives: This study investigates the level at which kindergarten staff fulfil these health recommendations, and examines differences in physical activity levels of staff working mainly with toddlers (1-3 years) and older children (4-6 years). The study also investigates physical activity level during working time and leisure time.
Methods: Physical activity levels among 43 kindergarten staff members were measured utilizing accelerometers and questionnaires.
Results: The results demonstrate that 86% of kindergarten staff satisfy the health recommendations for physical activity. Moreover, kindergarten staff working with older children were significantly more physically active than staff working with toddlers.
Conclusions: Physical activity level during working time was found to be of major significance for fulfilling the health recommendations among kindergarten staff working with toddlers.
Keywords: Health recommendations; kindergarten children; kindergarten staff.