Stretching exercises in perception of stress in nursing professionals: randomized clinical trial¹

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing professionals (NP) have a very stressful work routine that makes them a category of risk for the development of occupational diseases. Physical exercises can ease stress, but there is doubt about the benefits of muscle stretching.

Objective

To verify the effect of stretching exercises on stress in NP.

Method

This is a randomized, parallel type study with the participation of 39 NPs (Experimental = 20, Control = 19). The occupational and occupational stress profiles were investigated by a questionnaire. The stretching classes lasted 8 weeks, 3 times weekly and 40 minute sessions. The data were treated with descriptive statistics and ANCOVA test (p≤0.05).

Results

Regarding the occupational profile and occupational stress, the results showed that 64% considered the work 'heavy' with more than 10h/day (97%). On holiday, 62% reported taking more than 20 days, but 28% worked in that period. More than half were involved in other professional activities (51%) and used to work on weekends (97%). In the previous year, 49% were absent from the service one or more times for health reasons. Most of them (56%) were dissatisfied with their professional life, but considered the work environment to be 'very good' (92%) and 'good' and the relationship with colleagues as 'very good' (98%). After eight weeks of classes, there was a decrease in stress (F = 43.522, p <0.001, effect size = 0.547).

Conclusion

Despite the work profile and stress, stretching exercises provided attenuation of occupational stress in NPs. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-6PVVDB).

Keywords:
Occupational Health; Professional Burnout; Health Promotion; Exercise