Exploring the interplay of stress, recovery, and physical activity among teachers, nursing staff, and ICT workers: a comparative study

Abstract

Abstract Aim The interaction between stress and recovery in work and leisure time is a complicated combination of occupational demands, personal physical activity (PA), and recovery needs. This study aimed to explore the interaction of stress and recovery with PA and sedentary time among teachers, nursing staff, and information and communication (ICT) workers. Methods The study included a diverse sample of participants (n = 211) from the occupational groups who participated in the Sustainable Brain Health project in Finland. Statistical analyses involved Fisher–Freeman–Halton’s exact test, one-way ANOVA, and Spearman’s Rho for analyzing differences between groups and associations between variables. Results Results indicated that teachers felt more burdened than nursing staff or ICT workers. Teachers also engaged in more measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), although their highest training effect from a single exercise was lower than among other occupations. Measured sedentary time was highest among ICT workers and lowest among nursing staff, despite the latter reporting more sitting during leisure time. Notably, ICT workers reported the highest levels of sitting during working hours. Furthermore, measured stress and relaxation proportions showed a strong negative association, while self-perceived recovery breaks were negatively associated with self-perceived stress. Finally, self-perceived exercise intensity was linked to self-perceived exercise enough for health, and measured MVPA proportion correlated with the training effect. Conclusion The findings highlight the differential experiences and challenges faced by these occupational groups. The results emphasize the importance of considering gender-dominated occupations when designing interventions to address stress and promote PA.