The main aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate if digital exercise followup can support exercise adherence and result in increased aerobic capacity in individuals with MDs. We will assess the short-term effects through a 12-week intervention, and its long-term effects after 1-year. Both the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) will receive two sessions of aerobic interval training at the Exercise Training Clinic, situated at the Department of Psychosis and Rehabilitation, Psychiatry Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. One training session consists of 36 minutes of high intensity training (HIT). HIT consists of 4x4 intervals on a treadmill at 85-95% of maximal heart rate, interspersed by 3minute active rest periods at 70% maximal heart rate [31]. Following the educational exercise sessions at the Exercise Training Clinic, the IG will be encouraged to perform two aerobic interval training sessions per week for 12 weeks, on their own and not at the exercise training clinic, while receiving digital follow-up support through HelsaMi and exercise guidance through the exercise app. The digital follow-up through HelsaMi will consist of overview of treatment progress and schedule, communication with health care personnel (video consultation or chat up to 2 times per week), notifications reminding them to exercise, exercise diary, questionnaires, and educational content.
Objective. To investigate if digital exercise follow-up through HelsaMi combined with an exercise app (Myworkout GO) in individuals with MDs is more effective at improving exercise adherence and aerobic capacity compared to standard treatment coupled with advice on how to perform high intensity interval training without any digital follow-up.
Main hypothesis. Digital follow-up of exercise yields better results than only being advised to exercise at improving exercise adherence, peak oxygen uptake (V̇ O2peak), work efficiency, functional capacity, and quality of life after 12 weeks and 1-year.