The Effect of Aerobic Training on Occupational Stress and Burnout in Male Employees of Islamic Azad University, Qorveh Branch

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on occupational stress and burnout among male employees of Islamic Azad University, Qorveh branch. The statistical population consisted of all male employees of the university. 22 employees who expressed their readiness to participate in the study were selected as the sample by purposive sampling method. Subjects were divided into experimental (n=12) and control (n=10) groups after matching on the basis of variables affecting occupational stress and burnout. The design of this study was quasi-experimental with pretest and posttest in an experimental group and a control group. Ouyang Job Stress Questionnaire (2009) and Maslach Job Burnout (2001) were used to collect data. Reliability and validity of these questionnaires were confirmed in previous studies. In order to analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistics including Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and independent t test were used. The findings showed a significant difference in the changes of occupational stress and burnout between the experimental and control groups (t value=3.53 and 9.69 respectively) (P=0.01). Regarding the effect of aerobic training on the occupational stress and burnout of employees and the very low need for these types of training to special facilities and the simplicity and lack of complexity of these types of training, dean of Islamic Azad University, Qorveh branch as well as other similar organizations are recommended to have aerobic training in their employees' working schedules.