The Influence of Nurses Physical Health on Job Performance: Exploring the Role of Exercise in Enhancing Patient Care

Background: Nurses play an essential role in maintaining the quality and safety on patient care. With the physical demands of their workloads, they were exposed to occupational health challenges that reduce physical capacity, repetitive movements, fatigue that may compromise job performance. Maintaining good physical health through regular exercise is known as an effective strategy for improving cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, stress management, and overall well-being, however, there is limited evidence on relationship between perceived physical health among nurses and the factors that influence performance.

Aim: This study explores the relationship between nurses' physical activity and exercise habits and their perceived job performance, and explored differences according to age, gender, years of nursing experience, and work setting.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 43 nurses employed in various health settings in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics, exercise participation, frequency, type and duration, perceived effects of exercise on job performance, work-related strain and injuries, barriers to exercise, and interest in workplace fitness programs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: Findings have shown that majority of nurses (67.4%, p = .022) engaged in regular physical activity, mainly cardiovascular exercise (69.8%, p = .010), performed 1–2 times weekly (58.1%, p = .001) for 30–60 minutes (48.8%, p = .003). The majority (79.1%, p < .001) perceived that regular exercise improved their job performance, mostly by enhancing stamina during long shifts and reducing injury risk. Nearly half (48.8%) experienced work-related physical strain or injury within the past year, while 53.5% reported that exercise aided recovery or prevention (p = .010). Lack of time due to work schedules was the most frequently reported barrier (76.7%, p < .001). Interest in workplace fitness programs was almost universal (97.7%, p < .001). Sports participation, better stamina, cardio exercise and improved patient handling were predictors in enhancing patient care.

Conclusion: Improving nurses job performance were attributed to physical activity, better stamina and recovery from work strain. Workplace wellness initiatives should be implemented to address the scheduling constraints and promote participation in the exercise and improve workforce well-being.