Intelligent Exercise for Work-related Injuries

Enrolling by invitation at 6 trial locations

Overseen By Helle J Christiansen, Msc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Aarhus

Disqualifiers: Advised against exercise

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how different approaches can manage or prevent muscle and joint pain in surgeons performing abdominal and pelvic surgeries. It compares two strategies: a special exercise program called Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) delivered via an app, and ergonomic advice for better posture and movement during surgeries. Surgeons experiencing musculoskeletal pain from their work might benefit from these interventions. Eligible participants perform surgeries such as gynecology or urology for at least four hours per week and have not been advised against physical exercise by their doctor. As an unphased trial, this study provides surgeons the opportunity to explore innovative solutions for pain management and improve their quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) is safe for surgeons?

Research has shown that Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) is generally manageable for participants. Studies have found that individuals who tried IPET considered it practical and enjoyable, particularly in workplaces such as the offshore wind industry. No major safety issues emerged in these settings.

One study examined IPET's impact on muscle and joint health. Participants reported improved muscle strength and reduced muscle and joint pain, with no serious side effects.

These findings suggest that IPET is safe and could effectively complement programs designed to reduce work-related injuries. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) for work-related injuries because it offers a personalized approach to healing. Unlike traditional physical therapies that might use a one-size-fits-all method, IPET tailors exercises specifically to the individual's needs and work environment, potentially leading to more effective rehabilitation. This approach could not only speed up recovery times but also improve long-term outcomes by addressing the unique ergonomic challenges faced by each person.

What evidence suggests that Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) is effective for musculoskeletal pain?

Research has shown that Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET), which participants in this trial may receive, can greatly reduce pain. One study found that people who did IPET experienced significantly less pain. Another study found that IPET improved overall health and fitness, reducing the risk of lifestyle-related health problems. Participants often reported high satisfaction with the exercises, indicating the program was both effective and enjoyable. These findings suggest that IPET can help manage muscle and joint pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Helle J Christiansen, Msc.

Principal Investigator

University of Aarhus

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for surgeons specializing in gynecologic, urologic, colorectal or abdominal surgery who perform at least four hours of surgery weekly. It aims to reduce musculoskeletal discomfort from operating.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a surgeon specializing in operations on the reproductive, urinary, digestive or abdominal areas.

I perform surgery for an average of four hours weekly.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Pre-intervention

Participants are introduced to up-to-date ergonomic recommendations informed by the Danish Working Environment Authority and a systematic literature review.

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for introduction

Intervention

Participants are randomized into control and intervention groups. The control group continues ergonomic practices, while the intervention group performs 50 min of tailored physical exercise per week via an app.

20 weeks

Weekly app-based sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for musculoskeletal pain intensity, self-reported health, burnout, work ability, and physical resources.

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person) for assessments

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET)

Trial Overview The study compares the effects of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) with an app-based program plus ergonomic recommendations against just following ergonomic principles alone over a period of 20 weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Surgeons

Group II: Control group Active Control 1 Intervention

Surgeons assigned to the control group will be asked (to continue) to apply the ergonomic recommendations in the daily practice introduced three months ahead of trial start.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Aarhus

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,441

Recruited

14,600,000+

The Working Environment Research Fund

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

170+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5564061/

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training in a Workplace Setting ... Each participant in TG received an individually tailored exercise training program based on outcome measures of the baseline health check and questionnaire data ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9308937/

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) in the offshore ... Results from the acceptability survey showed a high level of satisfaction with most of the specific elements and exercises included in the IPET program. It ...

3. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2017/7914134

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training in a Workplace ... Several significant within-group changes were present, where TG and TG ≥ 70% demonstrated clinically relevant pain reductions whereas minimal ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/263477598_A_conceptual_model_for_worksite_intelligent_physical_exercise_training_-_IPET_-_intervention_for_decreasing_life_style_health_risk_indicators_among_employees_A_randomized_controlled_trial

(PDF) A conceptual model for worksite intelligent physical ... The Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) programme improved the health and fitness parameters of employees and contributed to fewer ...

5. pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-022-01106-z

Intelligent Physical Exercise Training (IPET) in the offshore ... On-site Intelligent Physical Exercise Training during working hours was feasible and well received among WTs in the offshore wind industry.