Impact of 24-hour shifts on interns’ gait: A study on sleep deprivation and rest effects

BackgroundSleep deprivation, common among physicians working long shifts, affects sensory integration, motor coordination, and cognitive performance. While its impact on cognitive and motor skills is well-documented, its effect on gait remains largely unexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of a 24-h shift on the gait parameters of interns to understand the impact of sleep deprivation and recovery.MethodsTwenty-eight interns (10 men, 18 women) participated. Gait analysis was performed before the shift, immediately after, and after 24 h of rest. Sleep duration during rest was recorded. Data from the three analyses were compared to assess gait symmetry and the relationship between sleep duration and gait parameters.ResultsNo significant changes were observed in gait parameters immediately after the 24-h shift compared to pre-shift measurements. After the rest period, significant changes were found: right-sided foot rotation (p = 0.033) and single support line (p = 0.049) increased, while left-sided foot rotation decreased compared to pre- and post-shift measurements (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was noted between daytime sleep duration and the single support line on both sides (right: r = 0.51, p = 0.005; left: r = 0.397, p = 0.037). A negative correlation existed between nighttime sleep and step width (r = -0.451, p = 0.016).ConclusionsWhile 24-h acute sleep deprivation did not significantly affect gait, partial sleep deprivation during recovery influenced certain parameters. These findings underscore the importance of adequate rest for maintaining physical performance in physicians. Future research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to confirm these results and explore broader implications.