Daily Physical Activity 6 Years Beyond Clinical Rehabilitation: Protocol of the ReSpAct 2.0 Study

BACKGROUND The Rehabilitation, Sports and Exercise (RSE) program is an evidence-based physical activity (PA) promotion program implemented in Dutch rehabilitation care. The Rehabilitation, Sports and Active Lifestyle (ReSpAct) study was designed to evaluate the RSE program, in which participants were followed from discharge up to one year after rehabilitation. However, little is known about PA behavior on the long-term. PA outcomes such as energy expenditure or time spent physically active are commonly measured with activity monitors and questionnaires, based on algorithms developed for healthy adults. But, energy cost of ADL has potentially other dimensions and may be differently perceived in people with physical disabilities or chronic diseases. AIM (1) To evaluate PA behavior and its potential determinants 6 years beyond rehabilitation, and (2) to gain a better understanding of measuring daily PA in people with physical disabilities or chronic diseases. METHODS Participants of the ReSpAct study (n=±1200) will be invited for an additional follow-up measurement 6 years after rehabilitation. Using questionnaires we will collect information on PA behavior, and potential determinants explaining differences in PA behavior between participants. In addition, a subgroup (n=±100) will be invited for an experimental study examining the energy-related outcomes of several activity monitors and PA questionnaires, and compare these with the gold standard indirect calorimetry. RESULTS Data collection will start in November 2019, which will result in a large unique database in a heterogeneous cohort. DISCUSSION The results of the ReSpAct 2.0 study will provide new insights into participants PA behavior on the long term. These insights can optimize PA promotion interventions during and after rehabilitation, especially on sustainability. Furthermore, it will provide a better understanding of measuring daily PA in people with physical disabilities or chronic diseases.