MOVEMENT

Health care professionals worldwide are currently facing an urgent and escalating mental health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic and workplace violence have significantly compounded the already challenging nature of their work. The global prevalence of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the pandemic is indeed alarming, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most common issue, followed by anxiety, depression, and distress. This underscores the immediate need for appropriate management strategies to treat and prevent these mental health disorders (Saragih et al., 2021). Additionally, workplace violence is a prevalent issue, with 61.9% of healthcare workers reporting exposure to some form of violence. Non-physical violence affects 42.5% of workers, while 24.4% face physical violence annually. Verbal abuse is the most common type of non-physical violence, followed by threats and sexual harassment. The prevalence of workplace violence is notably higher in Asian and North American countries, particularly in psychiatric and emergency departments and among nurses and physicians (Liu et al., 2019).​

Stress accumulates in the muscles and profoundly affects all body systems, including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems (American Psychological Association, 2023). Staying fit and building muscle mass is not just crucial, it's empowering in combating these issues. Enhanced physical fitness and muscle strength play a crucial role in preventing injuries and managing the physical demands of patient handling and prolonged awkward postures more effectively. Regular exercise and strength training not only bolster physical health but also promote mental well-being, further equipping healthcare workers to cope with the high-stress environment of their profession.