Improved cardiorespiratory fitness after occupational rehabilitation in merged diagnostic groups

Background Various occupational inpatient rehabilitation programs are established in Norway. This study aimed to assess change in cardiorespiratory fitness, pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in persons on long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal-, mental or unspecific disorders after participation in multicomponent inpatient occupational rehabilitation. Methods Twenty-five women and five men (mean age 45.2 years, SD 6.7, range 30-57) volunteered to participate in the study. The participants attended either 8 or 17 full days of occupational multicomponent rehabilitation including physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy in the form of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and development of a tailored plan for return to work. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Åstrand/Ryhming cycle test at the start and end of rehabilitation program, and at one-year follow-up. Changes in somatic and mental health were measured by questionnaires up to 4 months after start of the program. Results Linear mixed models showed that the maximal oxygen uptake increased by 1.1 mL°kg-1°min- 1 during the rehabilitation program and by 3.7 mL°kg-1°min- 1 at one-year follow-up. There were minor improvements in somatic and mental health, and quality of life. Conclusions This study indicates that occupational inpatient multicomponent rehabilitation including physical exercise and ACT may promote a long-term increase in physical exercise that is sufficient to induce a significant increase in cardiorespiratory fitness. Trial registration The current study is not registered, but is part of a larger trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov (No.: NCT01926574, registered 21. Aug 2013).