Abstract

Background: Observational and experimental studies consistently show that physical activity supports improvements in both physical and mental health. Various exercise modalities have been proposed as intervention protocols, ranging from aerobic training to traditional Eastern relaxation practices that incorporate elements of physical movement. Objective: The aim of this article was to analyze and synthesize evidence on the impact of different forms of physical activity on psychological stress and related symptoms of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers. Methods: A focused PubMed search was conducted for studies published in the last five years addressing physical activity interventions targeting stress, anxiety, or depression in healthcare workers. Both randomized and non-randomized intervention studies, pilot trials, and relevant systematic reviews were included to provide a descriptive synthesis because of heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes. Results: A review of PubMed-indexed studies published in the past five years identified 7,475 articles exploring the relationship between physical activity and stress levels in diverse populations. Of these, 284 studies specifically examined healthcare workers, with 72 addressing these outcomes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions included aerobic exercises, yoga, tai chi, qigong, and other movement-based relaxation techniques, with considerable variation in session duration, frequency, and follow-up periods. Reported outcomes varied, but most studies demonstrated reductions in perceived stress and improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies suggested that more intensive exercise protocols may be less effective, while shorter and lower-intensity interventions often produced stronger psychological benefits. Conclusion: Various forms of physical activity can effectively reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers. Interventions do not necessarily need to involve high-intensity or long-duration activity to achieve meaningful improvements. Short, low-intensity protocols may represent a feasible and beneficial resource for supporting the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals.

Key words: physical activity, healthcare professionals, stress