Physical Activity and Burnout-Related Outcomes in Healthcare Workers: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Practical Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.67.74353Keywords
burnout, physical activity, healthcare workers, exercise, occupational healthAbstract
Background. Burnout among healthcare workers is associated with impaired well-being, workforce retention, and quality of care. Physical activity may support recovery, but its role in burnout prevention remains uncertain.
Aim. To synthesize current evidence on physical activity and burnout-related outcomes among healthcare workers.
Material and methods. A narrative review of systematic reviews, observational and intervention studies, and selected guidelines was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library.
Results. Observational studies generally reported more favorable burnout-related outcomes among physically active healthcare workers, particularly for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, although findings were inconsistent. Evidence for professional efficacy or personal accomplishment was limited. Intervention studies showed more consistent improvements in stress and sleep than in burnout itself. Predominantly cross-sectional designs and substantial heterogeneity limited causal interpretation and prevented identification of an optimal exercise type or dose.
Conclusions. Physical activity may be a feasible recovery-oriented element of multilevel strategies addressing burnout-related outcomes. Programs should be voluntary, accessible, compatible with shift work, and implemented alongside organizational measures addressing workload, staffing, leadership, and recovery opportunities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Wiktor Buczko, Natalia Paszke, Piotr Wiśniewski, Jan Gajewski, Grzegorz Machelski, Marzena Mędrek, Mariola Mika, Kacper Mąkosa
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