Abstract
Background: This study aimed (1) to analyse the effect of non-occupational physical activity (NOPA) on the stress levels of fitness professionals, and (2) to apply a questionnaire to workers measuring burnout syndrome, working conditions and job satisfaction, and to compare the results with physiological stress and recovery measured objectively through heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: The HRV of 26 fitness instructors was recorded during 2–5 workdays using Firstbeat Bodyguard 2. Participants also completed a questionnaire (CESQT) measuring working conditions and job satisfaction variables and occupational burnout syndrome. Results: NOPA showed a negative association with both the percentage of stress (p < 0.05) and stress–recovery ratio (p < 0.01), and a positive association with the percentage of recovery (p < 0.05). Better work conditions (working hours, salary satisfaction and length of service) were associated with lower stress in fitness professionals. Conclusion: NOPA appears to improve the stress levels of fitness instructors in this study cohort. Self-reported burnout levels measured through the CESQT questionnaire do not coincide with the physiological stress responses measured through HRV. Better working conditions appear to reduce the stress response in fitness professionals.
Highlights
Stress, defined as the physical and mental responses of the body and the adaptations to perceived changes in life [1], is a potential risk factor on wellbeing and mortality [2,3].Work stress, known as “burnout syndrome,” was first classified as mental ill-health at the workplace in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases [4] and currently affects around 26% of workers [5]Excessive levels of stress might affect the human nervous system, and thereby the process of memory, cognition and learning [6,7]
The average stress percentage and recovery percentages are within the optimal values according to the patterns provided by the manufacturer of the heart rate variability (HRV) monitors
Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a negative influence on stress balance (p < 0.05)
Summary
Stress, defined as the physical and mental responses of the body and the adaptations to perceived changes in life [1], is a potential risk factor on wellbeing and mortality [2,3].Work stress, known as “burnout syndrome,” was first classified as mental ill-health at the workplace in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases [4] and currently affects around 26% of workers [5]Excessive levels of stress might affect the human nervous system, and thereby the process of memory, cognition and learning [6,7]. Work-related stress may result in decreased employee wellbeing, lower worker productivity, or increased rates of absenteeism [2]. There are numerous questionnaires available that measure different parameters related to stress at work. These questionnaires typically focus on subjective parameters. This study aimed (1) to analyse the effect of non-occupational physical activity (NOPA) on the stress levels of fitness professionals, and (2) to apply a questionnaire to workers measuring burnout syndrome, working conditions and job satisfaction, and to compare the results with physiological stress and recovery measured objectively through heart rate variability (HRV)
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