JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Retraining programs in vocational rehabilitation are often characterized by a low level of physical activity, even when targeting jobs with primarily physical demands. They might therefore be accompanied with a decline in functional capacity, if the lack of physical activity is not compensated by increased activity during leisure time. The implementation of a work-related exercise app might be a promising approach to promote return to work in vocational rehabilitation. We developed the "WORKout-app" that provides exercise plans based on a comparison of the physical demands of the retraining profession and the current functional capacity.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of app-based exercise during vocational rehabilitation on perceived work ability (primary outcome), occupational self-efficacy, days of sick leave, and return to work (secondary outcomes).

Methods:

A cluster-randomized controlled trial with two arms (intervention: WORKout-app vs. control: treatment as usual) is conducted in four cohorts of five vocational rehabilitation centers in Germany. Participants are nested within retraining classes per vocational rehabilitation center and per cohort assigned to either the intervention condition or the control condition. The target sample size at the participant level is N = 598. Measurement time points include baseline, the end of rehabilitation, three months after the end of rehabilitation, and six months after the end of rehabilitation. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models are performed to test for treatment differences in outcomes.

Results:

This study is funded by the German Federal Pension Insurance. The trial is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030775) and approved by the Ethics Committee of the German Sport University Cologne (145/2022).

Conclusions:

The findings of the study will inform researchers and practitioners about the effectiveness of an exercise app developed to counteract the effects of physical inactivity during vocational rehabilitation. Clinical Trial: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00030775, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00030775