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A comparative analysis of the occupational energy expenditure of radiologists versus clinicians

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Sedentary lifestyles have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Radiology as a profession may be sedentary compared to some clinical disciplines.

Aim

Our aim was to measure the occupation-related energy expenditure of a cohort of radiologists versus clinicians using a specialized pedometer.

Methods

25 radiologists and 25 clinicians (15 surgeons, 8 physicians and 2 emergency physicians) were measured. The amount of steps walked, stairs climbed and calories burned on a given day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. were compared between the groups.

Results

The difference in mean calorie usage per day was 320 greater, and steps walked per day 2,985 greater, in clinicians than in radiologists (p < 0.0001 for each).

Conclusion

Such a difference in calorie intake can have significant long-term health implications in terms of increased weight or BMI. Means of combating this deficit are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, St. Vincents’s University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland

    I. G. Murphy & E. J. Heffernan

  2. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland

    C. G. Murphy

Authors
  1. I. G. Murphy
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  2. C. G. Murphy
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  3. E. J. Heffernan
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Correspondence to I. G. Murphy.

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Murphy, I.G., Murphy, C.G. & Heffernan, E.J. A comparative analysis of the occupational energy expenditure of radiologists versus clinicians. Ir J Med Sci 184, 889–892 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-014-1215-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-014-1215-z

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