Evaluation of the Physical Activity of Anesthesiologists in the Operating Room During Daily Work Using a Triaxial Accelerometer

Appropriate daily exercise is recommended to remain healthy for adults, including medical professionals. In this study, the authors quantified daily physical activity of anesthesiologists in the operating room using a newly developed triaxial accelerometer, Jukudai Mate. During daily work, mean ± SD energy expenditure of staff was 576 ± 181 kcal and was significantly higher than that of residents (400 ± 95 kcal; p =.007). The mean intensities of hourly physical activity of the staff and residents were estimated to be approximately 1.9 and 1.7 metabolic equivalents (METs), respectively. None of the anesthesiologists had more than 3 METs in intensity of physical activity. We concluded that the physical activity of anesthesiologists during daily work can be classified as light intensity. To promote and maintain health, anesthesiologists need physical activity of moderate or vigorous intensity off the job.