Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) in the Offshore Wind Industry: A Feasibility Study

The appointed supervisors tracked compliance during the first 8 weeks of the exercise intervention (192 possible sessions) on behalf of all participants. Compliance was recorded if a WT attended the planned (and facilitated) session and is reported in percentage of possible sessions.

During the last four weeks (self-administered exercise), participants were asked to report attendance in a similar way by phone to the supervisor or health and safety representative or by filling out a record located at the onshore facility. Missing reportings were interpreted as non-compliance.

Acceptability with the on-site part of the intervention was evaluated after the first 8 weeks using a survey customised to the intervention and to the specific target group. Questions concerned overall acceptability and satisfaction with workplace exercise programmes in general and the specific content of this intervention. Responses were reported on a 5-point Likert scale (from "Strongly disagree" to Strongly agree")

The appointed supervisors tracked adherence during the first 8 weeks of the exercise intervention (192 possible sessions) on behalf of all participants. Adherence was reached and reported if the WT completed the exercise programme as prescribed, meaning that they did not deviate from the structure of the individual exercise programme (exercise selection (or approved alternative exercises), volume and intensity). Adherence is reported in percentage of possible sessions.

During the last four weeks (self-administered exercise), participants were asked to report attendance in a similar way by phone to the supervisor or health and safety representative or by filling out a record located at the onshore facility. Missing reportings were interpreted as non-adherence.

Supervisors were asked to record mild (e.g. soreness beyond expected levels) and serious adverse events (safety related incidents, e.g. dropped objects and sprains/strains associated with conducting the exercises) related to the training sessions. Adverse events were reported in absolute numbers.

Cardiovascular capacity tests were conducted at three time points: T1 (6 months prior to intervention start), T2 (intervention start) and T3 (after 12 weeks).

Cardiovascular capacity (relative VO2max expressed in ml O2/kg/min) was indirectly assessed using the submaximal Chester Step Test on a 30 cm step.

Muscle strength measurements were performed as maximal voluntary contractions of the forearm using a hand grip dynamometer and isometric shoulder abduction using hand-held dynamometry. Forearm and shoulder strength were assessed three times for the dominant arm and the maximal values were reported in kilos as means +/- SD.

Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed in terms of prevalence and severity for 9 different body parts using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and cases were included if WTs had experienced symptoms for more than 1 day and with an average symptom severity of ≤ 1 (0-10) within the past 3 months.

Singe-item from the work ability index assessing current work ability compared to lifetime best an 11-point scale (0-10). Reported as mean +/- SD

The validated Strøyer-scale assessing 5 items (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and balance) on a 10 point-scales (1-10), with 1 indicating 5 indicating average physical capacity compared with peers.