Rehabilitation program for survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

The ROCK Trial. A Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Intervention Targeted Return-to-work in Sudden Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT05173740

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

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment214 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT05173740 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult survivors of their first out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who have been discharged from the hospital.

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.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with rehabilitation interventions for cardiac arrest survivors, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Copenhagen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiac ArrestHeart ArrestCardiopulmonary ResuscitationReturn to WorkReturn-to-workRehabilitationRecovery of FunctionCardiac Rehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.