[The role of physical activity in health promotion of healthcare workers].

Introduction: The health status of doctors, nurses and any other professionals working in the healthcare sector influences the quality of their work. Therefore, health promotion of healthcare workers is not only an occupational health program but it can be considered as an action towards improving the quality of care.
Aim: The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of a health promotion intervention among healthcare workers after health status assessment.
Method: Before and after the intervention a self-assessment questionnaire-based health survey and physical status examination were performed. Members of the intervention group were offered to use fitness facilities, professional psychological help, dietary counselling, and dental consultation.
Results: The intervention program lasted for 12 months with the participation of 79 health care professionals (based on their decision being in the intervention or in the control group). Significant decrease was found in the abdominal perimeter in participants of the intervention group and they ran a longer distance on the 12 minute-long-run test at the end of the study.
Conclusions: The positive effect of regular physical exercise as part of active lifestyle has been demonstrated not only in the increase of physical capacity, but in the change of body shape, as well. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(39), 1563-1570.