To explore whether exercise can effectively relieve the fatigue state of overnight shift anesthesiologists with chronic fatigue. 78 anesthesiologists between 30 and 40 years of age at four hospitals in China were analyzed in the investigation. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) were used to assess psychological symptoms and fatigue respectively, and data regarding demographics, health, exercise and work-related variables were also collected. The total and physical fatigue score were highest among those who seldom do exercise compared to those who always do exercise (p < .05, respectively). Moreover, anesthesiologists who exercised 30-60 min everyday had the lowest total and physical fatigue score. When exercise for more than 60 min, the total and physical fatigue scores then increased. After completing a night shift, the post-on-call total Profile of Mood States scores of those who seldom do exercise was significantly increased (t = -4.9, p < .001). These study findings suggested that regular exercise 30-60 min everyday could effectively reduce anesthesiologists' physical fatigue and decrease their negative psychological state, and anesthesiologists should positively adjust working and exercise time.
Keywords: Anesthesiologists; Chalder Fatigue Scale; Profile of Mood States; exercise; night shift.