Authors
- Anamaria Komen, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
- Mirela Vučković, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Physiotherapy, Rijeka, Croatia. ORCID: 0000-0002-8596-6175
- Aleksandra Mihelčić, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Physiotherapy, Rijeka, Croatia; Medical School in Rijeka; Narodno učilište Rijeka, Institution for Education and Culture, Rijeka, Croatia
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Introduction and Aim:
Professional burnout syndrome arises from chronic exposure to high workplace stress. Healthcare workers, including physiotherapists, are more prone to this syndrome than professionals in other fields. Physical activity has been shown to have a protective effect against stress and professional burnout in certain healthcare professions. The main aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and the intensity of professional burnout among physiotherapists. A specific aim was to compare burnout intensity among physiotherapists based on their level of education.
Respondents and Methods:
The survey included 170 physiotherapists working in Croatia at the time of research, each with at least one year of professional experience. Besides general sociodemographic data, the questionnaire comprised two standardized tools: the “Questionnaire of the Intensity of Burnout at Work” and the “International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form.”
Results:
The median professional burnout intensity was 25 points (interquartile range 22–29), indicating that burnout was not present. No statistically significant relationship was found between physical activity level and burnout intensity (p = 0.255). Additionally, burnout intensity did not significantly differ based on education level (p = 0.642).
Conclusion:
The sample showed no signs of professional burnout. No association was found between physical activity and burnout syndrome among Croatian physiotherapists. Further research is recommended to better understand factors maintaining the health and work capacity of physiotherapists.
Keywords:
physical activity; physiotherapists; professional burnout syndrome