El ejercicio físico disminuye el estrés laboral y oxidativo en profesionales de Urgencias

Abstract

BackgroundStressful conditions lead to the formation of excessive free radicals which represents the greatest threat to cellular homeostasis of aerobic organisms. Burnout is a syndrome of chronic occupational stress. ObjectivesThis work focuses on the determination of both oxidative stress and occupational stress in a medical emergency service staff, and to analyze the effect that performing physical exercise can have on oxidative and occupational stress in these professionals. Material and methodsThe study sample consisted of 70 professionals working in a medical emergency service and a control group of 80 age-matched healthy individuals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined, as well as burnout with its components. ResultsNo significant variations were observed in SOD, CAT, MDA, or burnout levels as regards to gender. MDA levels increased with age in both the medical emergency service staff and the control group, with significant differences between the medical emergency service staff and the control group for all age groups. Marital status does not influence the variables analyzed. ConclusionsLipid peroxidation and occupational stress (burnout levels) decrease with physical exercise, being lower levels for those who practice it daily. Playing sports regularly, especially when it is not exhausting, is a beneficial practice for preventing both oxidative stress and occupational stress.