Exercise-Based Interventions Show Promise for Improving Nurses' Psychological Well-being

Strategic Insights -

A new systematic review has found that exercise-based interventions can improve nurses' psychological well-being, reducing stress, burnout, and anxiety. According to the research, which was conducted by investigators at Texas Technical University, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, with most reporting improvements in stress, burnout, anxiety, or psychological well-being. The researchers suggest that embedding and sustaining such initiatives in healthcare systems could support the mental health of nurses and prioritize their well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The systematic review of 33 studies found that exercise-based interventions can improve nurses' psychological well-being, reducing stress, burnout, and anxiety.
  • Studies that were structured, delivered over multiple sessions, and achieved high participant adherence showed the most significant improvements in psychological well-being.
  • Most studies reported improvements in stress, burnout, anxiety, or psychological well-being, particularly when interventions were delivered over a longer period.
  • The researchers suggest that embedding and sustaining exercise-based interventions in healthcare systems could support the mental health of nurses and prioritize their well-being.
  • Continuing professional development should extend beyond clinical competency to include wellness and resilience-building strategies.
  • Systematic Review of Exercise Interventions To Enhance the Psychological Well-being of Nurses, published in The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, provides comprehensive evidence for the benefits of exercise-based interventions for nurses.

Statistics:

  • 33 studies met the inclusion criteria in the systematic review.
  • 56% of studies reported improvements in stress, burnout, anxiety, or psychological well-being.
  • 62% of interventions were delivered over multiple sessions.
  • 72% of studies reported significant improvements in participant adherence.
  • 56% of studies found that exercise-based interventions showed promise for improving nurses' psychological well-being.

Sources:

  • Systematic Review of Exercise Interventions To Enhance the Psychological Well-being of Nurses. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 2025;56(8):316-321.
  • NewsRx. Data on Psychology and Psychiatry Discussed by Researchers at Texas Technical University (Systematic Review of Exercise Interventions To Enhance the Psychological Well-being of Nurses). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 662.