Nurses surpass average daily step count in Finland despite lower fitness levels

According to preliminary findings from a study by the UKK Institute, nurses are significantly more active than the average working-age population, surpassing the average daily step count. Surprisingly, even nurses with lower fitness levels were found to be more active than their healthier peers. The study highlights that excessive physical workload can result in injuries and mental fatigue.

Over 200 healthcare workers were monitored using sensors that tracked movement and intensity throughout the day. The average working-age adult takes about 7,200 steps daily, but nurses exceeded this average by an additional couple of thousand steps. Notably, even those with below-average fitness exhibited higher levels of movement compared to healthier individuals in the general population.

While high physical activity is typically seen as beneficial, the UKK Institute’s director, Professor Tommi Vasankari, cautioned that consistently strenuous work can lead to fatigue and injuries. He suggested that an individualized approach is needed to improve endurance and muscle strength among workers engaged in demanding occupations. Additionally, better ergonomics could help alleviate physical strain.

The combination of Pilates-type exercises and back counseling also proved effective in reducing back pain and associated absenteeism among nursing staff. Follow-ups showed that positive effects persisted for two years after the intervention, though they diminished over time.

In addressing Finland’s ongoing decline in fitness levels, Vasankari emphasized the necessity for societal engagement in fostering health and well-being, not leaving it solely to individuals. Ultimately, support for physically demanding jobs must be strengthened to maintain workers’ functional capacity and overall health.