Physical activity as a protective factor against Burnout Syndrome among health professionals and students

Burnout Syndrome is a psychological condition associated with chronic occupational stress, especially in professions with high emotional demands. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity practice and burnout levels in 193 students and healthcare professionals. Data were collected through an online questionnaire containing the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The analysis included means, standard deviations, and correlations between variables. Results revealed a moderate positive association between weekly hours dedicated to work or study and increased emotional exhaustion (r=0.34, p<0.001), indicating that greater workload is linked to higher levels of exhaustion. A reduction in personal accomplishment was observed with longer working hours (r=–0.27, p<0.001), reinforcing the impact on well-being. Excessive dedication showed a strong correlation with emotional exhaustion (r=0.45, p<0.001) and a moderate correlation with depersonalization (r=0.32, p<0.001). On the other hand, physically active participants exhibited lower levels of depersonalization (r=–0.22, p=0.003), suggesting a protective effect of physical activity. Healthcare professionals presented higher burnout levels compared to students. It is concluded that physical activity is associated with lower burnout scores, particularly in the depersonalization dimension. These findings highlight its potential as a strategy for promoting mental well-being, reinforcing the need for institutional policies that encourage healthy practices and review labor conditions to protect the mental health of healthcare workers.