Burnout syndrome is an important public health problem due to the negative effects on workers and workplace wellbeing with consequent social and economic repercussions. Physical activity is recognized as a useful treatment to reduce burnout and psychological stress among the workers, however, there are few rigorous studies on treatment efficacy. PURPOSE: This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Combined Exercise Training on burnout symptoms and perceived stress among workers in the helping professions. METHODS: Forty-two men (46.3 ± 8.1 years), scoring medium to high on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales, were allocated into an intervention (n = 21) or waitlist control (n = 21) group. The intervention group performed a combined 8-week circuit resistance training and agility training (60 min, 3d·wk-1) at a local fitness center, whereas the control group did not participate in an exercise program. At baseline and after the intervention, the MBI and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. RESULTS: Significant interaction effects group-by-time (p < 0.001; η2p > 0.35) showed improvements for the intervention group that reduced emotional exhaustion (-9.2 ± 2.7, p < 0.001, d = 1.21), depersonalization (-4.7 ± 2.8, p < 0.001, d = 1.00) and perceived stress (-6.0 ± 2.5, p < 0.001, d = 1.16), and increased personal accomplishment (4.3 ± 1.9, p < 0.001, d = 0.81). The magnitude of the effects was large, revealing changes of crucial practical relevance. Adherence (90.4 %) and satisfaction (3.71 ± 0.56; rating 1-4) with the intervention were high. No significant changes were found in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings support the evidence that Combined Exercise Training may reduce burnout symptoms and perceived stress among workers in the helping professions. We recommend participation in exercise in the leisure time or workplace because it may likely improve work performance, wellbeing and life quality.
Combined Exercise Training Improves Work-Related Burnout Symptoms And Psychological Stress: A Randomized Controlled Study
Gianpiero Greco;Stefania Cataldi;Francesco Fischetti.
2020-01-01
Abstract
Burnout syndrome is an important public health problem due to the negative effects on workers and workplace wellbeing with consequent social and economic repercussions. Physical activity is recognized as a useful treatment to reduce burnout and psychological stress among the workers, however, there are few rigorous studies on treatment efficacy. PURPOSE: This randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of a Combined Exercise Training on burnout symptoms and perceived stress among workers in the helping professions. METHODS: Forty-two men (46.3 ± 8.1 years), scoring medium to high on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales, were allocated into an intervention (n = 21) or waitlist control (n = 21) group. The intervention group performed a combined 8-week circuit resistance training and agility training (60 min, 3d·wk-1) at a local fitness center, whereas the control group did not participate in an exercise program. At baseline and after the intervention, the MBI and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. RESULTS: Significant interaction effects group-by-time (p < 0.001; η2p > 0.35) showed improvements for the intervention group that reduced emotional exhaustion (-9.2 ± 2.7, p < 0.001, d = 1.21), depersonalization (-4.7 ± 2.8, p < 0.001, d = 1.00) and perceived stress (-6.0 ± 2.5, p < 0.001, d = 1.16), and increased personal accomplishment (4.3 ± 1.9, p < 0.001, d = 0.81). The magnitude of the effects was large, revealing changes of crucial practical relevance. Adherence (90.4 %) and satisfaction (3.71 ± 0.56; rating 1-4) with the intervention were high. No significant changes were found in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings support the evidence that Combined Exercise Training may reduce burnout symptoms and perceived stress among workers in the helping professions. We recommend participation in exercise in the leisure time or workplace because it may likely improve work performance, wellbeing and life quality.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
