Effects of a Workplace Exercise Program on Stress, Burnout, and Quality of Life in Radiologic Technologists: A...

Radiologic technologists are frequently exposed to occupational stressors that heighten the risk of burnout, compromising well-being and job performance. Workplace exercise programs have been identified as promising strategies to enhance physical and mental health across occupational groups; however, robust experimental evidence among radiologic technologists remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured workplace exercise program on perceived stress, burnout, and quality of life among radiologic technologists.

A small-scale randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with 19 radiologic technologists from the Local Health Unit of Castelo Branco, Portugal. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10, age mean = 43.8 ± 9.92 years old) or a control group (n = 9, age mean = 48.2 ± 7.86 years old). The intervention consisted of a six-week workplace exercise program conducted during work hours, comprising sessions three times per week, twice per day. Each session lasted approximately 15-20 min and included balance, stretching, and light resistance exercises. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and the WHOQOL-BREF.

The experimental group showed significant reductions in perceived stress (p = 0.013, d = -0.697 (-1.6-0.206) [moderate]) and in personal (p = 0.004, d = -0.834 (-1.748-0.08) [moderate]) and work-related burnout (p = 0.026, d = -0.756 (-1.664-0.151) [moderate]), as well as improvements in the physical (p = 0.046, d = 0.592 (-0.303-1.488) [small]) and environmental (p = 0.032, d = 0.991 (0.062-1.92) [moderate]) domains of quality of life. No significant changes occurred in the control group.

These preliminary findings suggest that a brief, low-cost workplace exercise program may reduce stress and burnout and improve quality of life among radiologic technologists. These findings support the integration of structured physical activity into healthcare work settings as a feasible, preventive, and health-promoting strategy.