To assess the impact of the intervention, we will perform an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the post-intervention (12-week) physical activity levels of the participants in the two conditions, with their baseline scores as a covariate [ 53].
To ensure that the post-test assessment takes place after completing the intervention we will perform the post-test assessments after 10 weeks)., when the intervention group has finished the intervention (T1), 4 weeks before the expected day of birth (in order to registrate symptoms of relapse (T2), and 6 weeks after delivery (T3).
In order to follow -up on the implementation of improvement measures in the intervention wards, we will perform one or two meetings with ward leaders and other relevant personnel following the 'Meeting Point' seminars and after the second measurement (t2).
After the analysis of the effectiveness of the intervention in each country, we will perform a multi-country analysis.
To assess effects of the intervention on outcome variables, we will perform multilevel analyses with statistical adjustments for differences in the relevant baseline scores and control variables according to the intention-to-treat principle.
We will perform subgroup analyses by intervention subtypes: long versus short messages; daily versus weekly messages; short weekly messages versus long weekly messages; short daily messages versus long daily messages; and two-way interactive communication versus one-way communication.
Participants assigned to the intervention group will perform the SEP as a home program.
The intervention group will perform the multi-session per day training program while the control group will receive normal hospital care.
During supervised physical therapy, the intervention group will perform exercises similar to those of the control group, on a side-alternating sinusoidal vibration platform.
In addition, the intervention group will perform job rotation, switching between tasks with low, moderate, and high risk for musculoskeletal complaints.
Our secondary hypotheses are that the intervention group will perform better than the control group on objective and subjective measures of cognitive function, and will report better quality of life outcomes than the control group.
