Table 1 Content of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme

Period I: Mapping of the participants resources/intensive training period

• Introduction to the rehabilitation programme

• Mapping physical-, psychological-, and social function

• Individual counselling-based on the mapping; preparation of a long-term plan for the rehabilitation process in cooperation with their medical doctor, social security office and the employer.

• Individual and group-based training to improve functional capacity: 1. Individual exercise programme with focus on e.g., endurance, strength, mobility, and relaxation techniques, 2. Group-based education/training in different health related subjects e.g., body structure, diet, exercise planning, coping strategies, communication, strategies for conflict negotiations, and social security system 3. Indoor and outdoor activities every day

6 h/day, 4 days a week in 5 weeks

Period II: Follow-up training/rehabilitation period

Functional capacity training continues (individual and group-based, indoor/outdoor activities, education), individual counselling, clarifying function and work ability, prepare a plan for work re-entry in cooperation with the employer, for example.

6 h/day, 1–3 days a week in 52 weeks

During/after finishing the rehabilitation period

In addition to the regular rehabilitation programme (57 weeks), the rehabilitation centre offers exercise groups e.g., endurance groups, water activity groups, and relaxation training groups in the participant's local community.

1 h/1–3 days a week