The effectiveness of core stability exercises on nurse fatigue

Context: Despite reporting a high prevalence of fatigue among nurses, few studies have been examined the impact of measures to reduce their fatigue. 

Aims: The present study aims to examine the impact of core stability exercises on nurses’ fatigue. 

Settings and Design: The present study is a field trial study. The study population has been included all nurses who are employing in Shahid Rajaie hospital of Gachsaran. 

Materials and Methods: A total of 46 eligible nurses were selected through convenience sampling but allocated between experimental and control groups based on block randomization. Nurses in the experimental group did a core stability exercise based on the protocol as three times a week for 6 weeks. The impact of exercise was evaluated using multidimensional fatigue inventory before and after the intervention. 

Statistical Analysis Used: The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive and analytical statistics such as the Chi-square test and t-test, taking into account the 95% confidence intervals. 

Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean score of total fatigue and its dimensions between two groups on precore stability exercises(P > 0.05). However, the statistical significant difference was observed in mean scores of total fatigue and physical and mental subscales between the two groups after core stability exercises (P < 0.05). Within-group comparison in the experimental group also showed the statistically significant difference by total fatigue, physical, and mental fatigues after core stability exercises compared to before one (P < 0.05). 

Conclusions: Core stability exercises were able to reduce nurses’ fatigue, particularly mental and physical fatigues