Digital Follow-up of Aerobic Interval Training in Outpatients With Mental Disorders

This randomized-controlled trial (RCT) will investigate if digital follow-up of exercise, i.e. followup through the new citizen portal HelsaMi, coupled with an exercise app can result in exercise adherence and improved oxygen uptake in individuals with mental disorders (MD). Secondary, the project will provide information regarding effects on cardiovascular disease risk-factors, functional capacity, quality of life, satisfaction, and cost through a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) including individuals with MDs.

Outcomes assessed in this project, such as maximal oxygen uptake, functional capacity, and quality of life, are strongly related to the ability to carry out activities of daily living. These outcomes are associated with benefits such as reduced sick leave, extended life expectancy, independence, and improved health status with increasing age. Economically, with the world population growing older and health care resources being stretched, there is clearly a need to apply and evaluate effective alternative methods to improve somatic health on a broader scale in a sustainable fashion, preferably utilizing existing platforms and exercise apps.