An assessment of the levels of physical activity in an academic anaesthetic department

Abstract

Background: It has long been known that a positive correlation exists between physical activity, exercise, and health. Individuals who achieve a daily target of 10 000 steps are likely to meet the recommended levels of health-enhancing physical activity to confer long-term benefits. We aimed to evaluate the physical activity levels of public sector, academic anesthesiologists in Johannesburg, South Africa both on and off duty and determine the proportion meeting recommended guidelines. Method: This prospective, cross-sectional observational study was undertaken at three academic hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ninety-four doctors wore a pedometer on and off duty for a seven-day period. A questionnaire based on the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was also completed. Results: The median (Interquartile Range (IQR)) total daily step count was 6 964 (6 271 - 7 956), the median (IQR) number of steps taken on duty was 5 033 (3 536 – 6 407) and the median (IQR) off-duty daily steps was 3 247 (1 471 - 3 802). Only 5% (5/94) of doctors achieved the recommended target of 10 000 daily steps. The IPAQ data showed that only 3% (3/94) of participants had a high level of physical activity, with 68% (64/94) having an inactive lifestyle. Significant factors influencing the on-duty step count included the duration of the shift, the number of cases performed and being the floor senior. Conclusion: Doctors working in the anaesthetic department at the University of the Witwatersrand do not get the recommended level of physical activity either at work or when they are not working. This is placing a large and vital workforce at increased risk for chronic non-communicable disease, mental health issues, and burnout.