Type of Project: Funded project Joint project Study
Promoting Return to Work After Vocational Rehabilitation Using a Work-Related Fitness App

Return to work after vocational rehabilitation (retraining programs) requires not only knowledge and skills but also physical performance that at least meets the demands of the target profession. Particularly in occupations with specific physical demands, the requirements during the retraining differ significantly from those in later professional life. The focus on knowledge transfer during the retraining often results in a decrease in physical performance or stagnation at a low level, due to the lack of physical stimuli. This project aims to develop a training app, including a self-assessment tool, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this training in improving subjective work ability and other outcome measures associated with successful return to work. In a preliminary analysis, the convergent validity of the app's self-assessment tool will be evaluated. Additionally, routine data from vocational rehabilitation centers (BFW) and the German Pension Insurance (DRV) on the use of accompanying support services in vocational retraining will be analyzed for the first time to identify target groups with specific needs.