Walking at work: a pedometer study assessing the activity levels of doctors

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Physical Activity Research
• Medical Practice

Background:

• Sedentary lifestyles are a major global health risk.
• Brisk walking and vigorous exercise significantly reduce coronary heart disease.
• Current guidelines recommend 10,000 daily steps for adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if doctors meet the 10,000 daily step target during work hours.
• To determine if supplementary out-of-hours exercise is needed for doctors.

Main Methods:

• 16 doctors (consultants and residents in medicine and surgery) wore pedometers for 5 consecutive shifts.
• Recorded daily steps, stride length, and total hours worked during shifts.
• Excluded steps taken outside of working hours.

Main Results:

• Average daily steps ranged from 4647 (Medical Consultants) to 7907 (Medical PRHOs).
• Medical PRHOs walked significantly more than consultant physicians and surgeons (p<0.1).
• Distance walked per shift varied from 3.84 km to 6.85 km.

Conclusions:

• On-the-job walking contributes significantly to doctors' daily activity.
• Doctors require additional out-of-hours exercise to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.
• Occupational physical activity levels vary among different doctor roles.