Physical activity, energy expenditure and work intensity of care-workers on shift work in a special nursing home for the elderly

To evaluate the workload of careworkers on shift work in special nursing homes for the elderly (SNHs), physical activity, energy expenditure and work intensity were measured. Nine healthy female care-workers volunteered to participate in our study; 3 subjects worked the day shift, 3 subjects worked the night shift, and 3 subjects worked both shifts. Time spent in actual care, heart rate, number of walking steps, energy expenditure, work intensity and time spent in different postures was determined for the day shift and night shifts. The time on duty, work and break (recess) times were significantly greater for the night shift than for the day shift. The percent care time was significantly greater for the day shift than the night shift, and the percent break time was significantly greater for the night shift than the day shift. Individual care of residents accounted for the greatest percent of work time. Minimum and mean heart rates were significantly greater for the day shift than for the night shift, and minimum heart rate in relation to estimated maximum heart rate was significantly greater for the day shift than for the night shift. Although total walking steps for the night shift was significantly greater than that for the day shift, the number of steps per h did not differ between shifts. Energy expenditure (kcal) for the night shift was significantly greater than that for the day shift, but the difference between the two shifts in work intensity (kcal/kg/min) was not significant. Standing (posture) accounted for the largest percentage of work time in relation to other work postures regardless of shift. Physical activity, energy expenditure and work intensity of the SNH care-workers for both shifts appear to be higher than those reported for nursery school teachers and hospital nurses. We agree with other investigators that appropriate countermeasures are needed to reduce the workload of such care-workers.