Rehabilitation program for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Official title: The ROCK Trial. A Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Intervention Targeted Return-to-work in Sudden Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet · NCT05173740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a personalized rehabilitation program can help people who survived a cardiac arrest return to work better than just regular care alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 214 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05173740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adult survivors of their first out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who have been discharged from the hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who were not part of the labor force prior to their cardiac arrest or those with very short cardiac arrest episodes may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a comprehensive, individually tailored rehabilitation intervention aimed at supporting the return to work (RTW) for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the tailored rehabilitation program alongside usual care or usual care alone. The primary outcome will be assessed after 12 months, focusing on labor market participation and health-related quality of life. The study aims to determine if the intervention can significantly improve employment rates compared to standard care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the quality of life and employment opportunities for survivors of cardiac arrest.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with rehabilitation interventions for cardiac arrest survivors, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * All adult survivors with first time out-of-hospital cardiac arrest * Discharged from the Hospitals will be assessed eligible for inclusion Exclusion criteria: * Survivors who prior to the cardiac arrest were not part of the labour force with at least two years until they are qualified to receive retirement state pensions * Patients that cannot understand and fulfil the study surveys (in Danish) * Patients with short witnessed cardiac arrests with return of spontaneous circulation estimated less than 4 minutes and immediate awakening without ICU treatment
Where it's running
-
Rigshospitalet
Copenhagen, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jan Christensen, PhD — Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
- Study coordinator: Jan Christensen, PhD
- Email: fysjan@gmail.com
- Phone: 35453001
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.