Get an overview of peer-reviewed publications originating from research in MOBILIZE here:

 

Study Aim Main findings Link to article (open access)
Skou et al. 2025

 

Exercise therapy and self-management support for individuals with multimorbidity, a randomized and controlled trial

To evaluate the effect of the MOBILIZE program in a randomized, controlled trial. The 12-week program, combining exercise therapy and self-management support, improves quality of life for people with multiple chronic conditions, offering a safe and effective alternative to the fragmented, single-disease focus of modern healthcare.

 

Skou et al. 2025
Bricca et al. 2025

 

Device-Based Physical Activity and Low-Grade Inflammation in People With Multimorbidity: Cross-Sectional Baseline Analysis From the MOBILIZE Trial

We examined the association between device-measured (i.e., accelerometers) PA and inflammatory biomarkers in people with multimorbidity Even small increases in MVPA appear to be associated with low-grade inflammation in individuals with multimorbidity. Bricca et al. 2025
Skou et al. 2023

Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial of personalized exercise therapy and self-management support for people with multimorbidity: The MOBILIZE study

To describe the design of MOBILIZE, a pragmatic, assessor-blinded, multicenter, parallel-group RCT (1:1 ratio) conducted at five intervention sites across the health care Region of Zealand, one of five health-care regions in Denmark. The pragmatic, multicenter RCT will provide high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of exercise therapy and self-management support and, if the results support it, lead to the development of a plan for implementation in clinical practice.

 

Skou et al. 2023
Skou et al. 2023

Personalised exercise therapy and self-management support for people with multimorbidity: feasibility of the MOBILIZE intervention

To evaluate the feasibility of exercise therapy and self-management in people with multimorbidity prior to a randomized, controlled trial (RCT). Exercise therapy and self-management are feasible in people with multimorbidity. The subsequent RCT, amended according to progression criteria and feedback from this study, will determine whether the intervention is superior to usual care alone.

 

Skou et al. 2023
Bricca et al. 2022

Effect of In-Person Delivered Behavioural Interventions in People with Multimorbidity: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

To investigate the effect of behavioral interventions in people with multimorbidity and to identify Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) associated with better outcomes. Behavioral interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors may improve health-related quality of life and physical function, and reduce depression symptoms, whereas little to no effect was achieved on physical activity and weight loss in people with multimorbidity. However, the evidence for physical activity and weight loss was of low quality and the end-treatment benefits diminished over time. Yet, studies using the BCTs ‘action planning’ and ‘social support (practical)’ reported greater physical activity and weight loss.

 

Bricca et al. 2022
Jäger et al. 2022

Mapping interventional components and behavior change techniques used to promote self-management in people with multimorbidity: a scoping review

To map the literature on patient-centered interventions for people living with multimorbidity that supports self-management. The results pointed to an extensive use of cognitive behavioral therapy as a basis for interventions, as well as behavior change theories and chronic disease management frameworks. The most coded Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) stemmed from the categories Social Support, Feedback and Monitoring, and Goals and Planning.

 

Jäger et al. 2022
Bricca et al. 2022

Personalised exercise therapy and self-management support for people with multimorbidity: Development of the MOBILIZE intervention

To give a detailed report of the development of the intervention, which can serve as a model for future development papers to increase transparency and reduce research waste. We developed a personalized exercise therapy and self-management support program for people with multimorbidity. The intervention will be tested for its safety and effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial.

 

Bricca et al. 2022
Jäger et al. 2022

Putting the pieces together: A qualitative study exploring perspectives on self-management and exercise behavior among people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates

The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the perspectives of people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates in relation to self-management and exercise behavior. Overall, the four groups shared common understandings while also expressing unique challenges. Conclusions Future interventions and/or policies targeting exercise behavior in people living with multimorbidity should address some of the barriers identified in this study.

 

Jäger et al. 2022
Pihl et al. 2022

Prognostic Factors for Health Outcomes After Exercise Therapy and Education in Individuals With Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis With or Without Comorbidities: A Study of 37,576 Patients Treated in Primary Care

To identify prognostic factors for health outcomes following an 8-week supervised exercise therapy and education program for individuals with knee and hip osteoarthritis alone or with concomitant hypertension, heart or respiratory disease, diabetes, or depression.

 

Age, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and pain intensity may be prognostic of change in health outcomes following an 8-week exercise therapy and patient education program for individuals with OA, irrespective of comorbidities. Pihl et al. 2022
Aagaard 2021

Living with multiple chronic conditions: how exercise helps me self-manage my conditions

Gregers Aagaard, one of our patient partners in MOBILIZE, shares his story and the strategies he uses to self-manage his chronic conditions.

 

Through his training, he is able to increase his quality of life, both mentally and functionally. Aagaard 2021
Pihl et al. 2021

Associations between comorbidities and immediate and one-year outcomes following supervised exercise therapy and patient education – A cohort study of 24,513 individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis

To investigate if comorbidities are associated with change in health outcomes following an 8-week exercise and education program in knee and hip osteoarthritis. Health outcomes improved regardless of coexisting comorbidities. This means that comorbidities are not associated with worse nor better health outcomes following an 8-week exercise and education program in individuals with osteoarthritis, suggesting exercise as a viable treatment option for individuals with osteoarthritis, irrespective of comorbidities.

 

Pihl et al. 2021
Harris et al. 2021

Recruitment and retention rates in randomised controlled trials of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To quantify recruitment, retention and differential retention rates and associated trial, participant, and intervention characteristics in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity. Three in four eligible people with multimorbidity were randomised to RCTs using exercise therapy, of which nine out of 10 provided end of treatment outcomes with no difference seen between the intervention and comparison groups. However, the results must be interpreted with caution due to large differences between the included studies.

 

Harris et al. 2021
Bricca et al. 2021

Infographic. Benefits and harms of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity

Infographic summarizing the systematic review Benefits and harms of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity.

 

Bricca et al. 2021
Bricca et al. 2020

Benefits and harms of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

To investigate the benefits and harms of exercise therapy for people with multimorbidity. Exercise therapy appears to be safe and to have a beneficial effect on physical and psychosocial health in people with multimorbidity. Although the evidence supporting this was of low quality, it highlights the potential of exercise therapy in the management and care of this population.

 

Bricca et al. 2020
Bricca et al. 2020

The benefits and harms of therapeutic exercise on physical and psychosocial outcomes in people with multimorbidity: Protocol for a systematic review

 

Protocol of systematic review investigating the benefits and harms of exercise therapy for people with multimorbidity. Bricca et al. 2020

 

Find non-peer-reviewed blog articles originating from research in MOBILIZE here:

Article Aim Main findings Link to article

 

Skou et al. 2025

 

Ingen mirakelpille mod multisygdom

– Men træning og patientuddannelse kan forbedre livskvaliteten, viser ny forskning

 

Insights from the MOBILIZE project – exploring the future of care for people with multiple chronic conditions. Participants in the MOBILIZE program experienced a statistically significant boost in their quality of life.

Our innovative, patient-focused approach is paving the way for a deeper understanding of how future treatments can be designed to better support individuals with complex health needs.

Videnskab.dk article
Jäger et al. 2022

Exercise Behavior Change for People Living with Multimorbidity

Blog summarizing the findings of the qualitative study Putting the pieces together: A qualitative study exploring perspectives on self-management and exercise behavior among people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates

 

Having identified many of the barriers to exercise that people with multimorbidity commonly experience, we put together a short guide for healthcare professionals that provides some practical strategies and resources to help people overcome these barriers. Jäger et al. 2022
Bricca et al. 2021

Træning som behandling til mennesker med multisygdom

Article summarizing the findings of the systematic review Benefits and harms of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

 

People with multimorbidity may benefit mentally and physically from exercise therapy two to three times a week, irrespective of the combinations of chronic conditions. Bricca et al. 2021
Bricca et al. 2020

Exercise as therapy: its surprising potential to treat people with multiple chronic conditions

Blog summarizing the findings of the systematic review Benefits and harms of exercise therapy in people with multimorbidity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. As such, exercise could be a safe and effective therapy instead of increasing drug prescription in people with multiple chronic conditions. The benefits were similar across all the combinations of chronic conditions

 

Bricca et al. 2020
Skou et al. 2019

 

MOBILIZE – Bedre sundhed for mennesker med multimorbiditet gennem individualiseret træning og uddannelse

Article describing the MOBILIZE project. The MOBILIZE project will provide new insight into which treatment is the most effective for people with multimorbidity. This insight is essential to ensure the best possible treatment for this large and growing group of patients. Skou et al. 2019

 

Here you can get an overview of peer-reviewed publications relating to MOBILIZE:

Study Aim Main findings Link to article (open access)
Bricca et al. 2023

Fysisk aktivitet og træning som behandling ved multisygdom

To highlight the role of physical activity and the benefits and harms of exercise therapy for people with multimorbidity and implications for clinical practice. Based on the existing evidence, clinicians should encourage and motivate patients to integrate physical activity into their daily lives, for instance through provision of social support or action plans. Moreover, to get started, patients could be referred to physiotherapists or municipal rehabilitation centers. Bricca et al. 2023
Bricca et al. 2023

Management of multimorbidity

To highlight management approaches that have potential to improve outcomes for patients with multimorbidity. Expert guidelines and available evidence suggest that clinicians managing multimorbidity should consider the appropriateness of medicines and deprescribing; referral to exercise therapy and screening and treatment for comorbid depression.

 

Bricca et al. 2023
Zangger et al. 2023

Benefits and Harms of Digital Health Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in People With Chronic Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To assess the effect of digital health solutions promoting physical activity among people with one or more chronic conditions. Overall, using a digital health solution shows a small improvement in physical activity, physical function, quality of life, and a small reduction in depressive symptoms, but no change in anxiety symptoms compared to usual care.

 

Zangger et al. 2023
Skou et al. 2022

Multimorbidity

To provide a global overview of the epidemiology, potential underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, management and outcomes of multimorbidity. Multimorbidity is a major global health challenge that is increasing in prevalence. The need for improved management and enhanced support to primary care and public health is highlighted. Further evidence to support effective management and improve patient outcomes is needed.

 

Skou et al. 2022
Jørgensen et al. 2022

Objectively measured physical activity levels and adherence to physical activity guidelines in people with multimorbidity—A systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine levels of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and the proportion of adults with multimorbidity that adheres to PA guidelines. PA levels and adherence varied from low to above guideline recommended levels for adults with chronic conditions, depending on PA intensity. The very low certainty of evidence calls for high quality studies focusing on detailed descriptions of PA behavior in people with multimorbidity.

 

Jørgensen et el. 2022
Bricca et al. 2022

The Quality of Health Apps and Their Potential to Promote Behavior Change in Patients With a Chronic Condition or Multimorbidity: Systematic Search in App Store and Google Play

To assess the quality of health Apps and their potential to promote behavior change. Apps for patients with a chronic condition or multimorbidity appear to be of acceptable quality but have low to moderate potential for promoting behavior change. Our results provide a useful overview for patients and clinicians who would like to use apps for managing chronic conditions and indicate the need to improve health apps in terms of their quality and potential for promoting behavior change.

 

Bricca et al. 2022

 

Find non-peer-reviewed blog articles relating to MOBILIZE here:

Article Aim Main findings Link to article

 

Bricca et al. 2023

 

Can digital health help solve the global pandemic of physical inactivity and chronic conditions?

Blog summarizing the systematic review titled Benefits and Harms of Digital Health Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in People With Chronic Conditions.

 

Digital health interventions hold promise in promoting physical activity among people living with one or more chronic conditions.

 

Bricca et al. 2023
Bricca et al. 2021

 

Don’t judge an App by its cover!

Blog to give an overview of the quality and potential to promote behavior change of the most downloaded Apps for people with one or more chronic conditions. We suggest patients and clinicians who would like to use Apps for managing chronic conditions:

To use and recommend Apps with higher quality and potential for behavior change and to use and recommend Apps based on patient skills, needs and preferences.

 

Bricca et el. 2021