Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025
08:45
Assessment of Physical Activity Intensity with Accelerometers and Oxygen Consumption
Published on: June 20, 2025
195
The Physical Activity Level of Ophthalmologists at Work: A Pedometer-Based Study
Elishai Assayag1, Rony Wiener1, Evgeny Gelman1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Workplace Health & Safety
|June 8, 2022
Summary
Ophthalmologists exhibit low physical activity (PA) levels during work, with residents more active than attendings. This sedentary occupation highlights a potential personal health challenge for eye care professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Occupational Health
- Physical Activity Assessment
Background:
- Ophthalmology practice involves prolonged periods of physical inactivity.
- This sedentary nature poses potential long-term health risks for ophthalmologists.
- Evaluating workplace physical activity levels is crucial for understanding these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the physical activity (PA) levels of ophthalmologists during clinical practice.
- To utilize pedometer-based measurements to evaluate steps per working hour (SPH).
- To identify factors influencing PA levels within the ophthalmology profession.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 24 ophthalmologists from a tertiary medical center.
- Electronic pedometers were used to record steps during six morning clinic sessions.
- Data collected included working hours, patient volume, age, BMI, and calculated SPH.
Main Results:
- The average SPH was 359.7 across all participants.
- Ophthalmology residents showed significantly higher SPH (410.17) than attending physicians (338.95).
- Oculoplastic surgeons had higher SPH (439.90) than cornea specialists (245.55), with a negative correlation between SPH and patient volume.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmology is characterized by a highly sedentary work environment, indicated by low SPH.
- Significant differences in PA exist between residents and attendings, and across sub-specialties.
- The low PA levels underscore a potential personal health concern for ophthalmologists that requires attention.
