Mathias Forsberg Brobakken

• Winther, Siri Bjørgen; Izadi, Mani; Husby, Vigdis Kvitland Schnell; Husby, Otto Schnell; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Øhrn, Frank-David [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2026). Preoperative physiotherapy and one-year patient-reported outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty: a registry-based cohort study of 1,688 patients. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. ISSN 1650-1977. 58. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v58.44853. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: Preoperative physiotherapy in patients receiving primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to relieve pain, delay surgery, and improve postoperative recovery. This study investigates the change in PROMs and pain after primary TKA between patients who received preoperative physiotherapy (P) and those who did not (NP). Design: Registry-based cohort study with data from an institutional registry. Patients: 1,688 patients followed a standardized fast-track clinical pathway between August 2017 and January 2024 and were grouped in P or NP. Methods: Primary outcome was KOOS-PS at 2 months and 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain, the Forgotten Joint Score, and EQ-5d-5L. Two anchor questions related to self-perceived knee function and willingness to have the surgery again at 12 months’ follow-up were also evaluated. Results: The model estimate demonstrated no significant between-group difference in KOOS-PS at 2 months (1.12 points; p = 0.079) or 1-year follow-up (1.25 points; p = 0.097). Visual inspection of descriptive plots showed that NP patients had higher KOOS-PS, less pain, and better joint score and quality of life at all time points. At 12 months’ follow-up, both groups had similar responses to the anchor questions. Conclusion: After adjustment for baseline differences, no between-group differences in postoperative self-reported physical function were observed; consistently lower scores in the physiotherapy group may reflect systematic preoperative differences between groups.

• Tøien, Tiril; Berg, Ole Kristian; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Wang, Eivind (2026). Neural plasticity is a two-way street: Counteracting age-related neural deterioration with strength training. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. ISSN 0167-4943. 149(October). doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2026.106292. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Changes in the nervous system with age are largely responsible for decreased force generating capacity (FGC), i.e., maximal strength and rate of force development. Emphasizing studies applying near-maximal/maximal contractions and stimulation intensity and training intensity as strong evidence, and training intensity above 60% maximal strength, this review uncovered that efferent neural drive, comprising motor unit recruitment and firing frequency, consistently appeared to be a main contributing factor for the decline and subsequent improvement in FGC with age. However, identifying single steps along the efferent neural drive pathway is challenging. Structural changes in the brain and corticospinal excitability alterations may be partly responsible for the reduced FGC, although these are seldom investigated in relation to FGC. Further, methodological constraints associated with measurements of corticospinal excitability challenge firm conclusions. Conduction velocity in the corticospinal tract is slower with age and intracortical inhibition increases, the latter may be improved following strength training. Peripheral factors – loss of spinal α-motoneurons, reduced spinal α-motoneuron excitability, and reduced conduction velocity – also contribute, albeit without considerable improvements following strength training. Despite methodological constraints associated with corticospinal measurements, we conclude that the efferent neural drive enhancement observed following strength training is likely a result of central nervous system adaptations, as peripheral adaptations appear to be negligible. It therefore seems essential to apply training that specifically targets efferent neural drive enhancement with older age. Heavy loads are imperative for efferent neural drive improvements and should be recommended to maintain or improve efferent neural drive and maximal FGC in older adults.

• Izadi, Mani; Tøien, Tiril; Øhrn, Frank-David; Husby, Otto Schnell; Husby, Vigdis Kvitland Schnell & Winther, Siri Bjørgen [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2026). Effects of preoperative maximal strength training on muscle strength and function in total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. ISSN 1877-0657. 69(2). doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2025.102067. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The efficacy of prehabilitation through preoperative strength training for individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains inconclusive. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of maximal strength training (MST) before operation on muscle strength and physical function 3 weeks following TKA. Methods: 48 individuals scheduled for fast-track unilateral primary TKA were randomized to MST (n = 24), performing 4 sets at 4 repetition maximum in seated leg press 3 times per week for 8 weeks, or control usual care (CON, n = 24). The primary outcome was bilateral leg press maximal strength. Secondary outcomes were performance-based physical function, including 10-step stair climbing, 30 s sit-to-stand, 40 m fast-paced walking, and unipedal stance tests, and self-reported physical function as knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score-physical function short form (KOOS-PS), European quality of life 5 dimension, 5 Level, and forgotten joint score. Results: MST improved bilateral leg press 1RM relative to body weight after intervention (mean change 0.45, P < 0.0001), and there were between-group differences in the delta changes from baseline to preoperation (mean difference 0.43, P < 0.0001) and postoperation (mean difference 0.27, P < 0.001), favoring MST. MST also led to better maintenance of postoperative stair climbing (mean difference −3.38 s, P = 0.0013). Although the MST group experienced a significant preoperative improvement in sit-to-stand (mean change 2 repetitions, P = 0.0019), walking ability (mean change −2.28 s, P < 0.001), and KOOS-PS (mean change 8, P < 0.0001), these effects did not extend to postoperative outcomes. Conclusions: The findings indicate that preoperative MST is safe and effective in improving muscle strength and preserving stair-climbing ability for individuals undergoing TKA, positioning MST as a pragmatic prehabilitation strategy. Clinical trial registration: NCT05892133.

• Tøien, Tiril; Berg, Ole Kristian; Modena, Roberto; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Wang, Eivind (2025). Heavy Strength Training in Older Adults: Implications for Health, Disease and Physical Performance. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. 16(2). doi: 10.1002/jcsm.13804. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article has been corrected: Correction to ‘Heavy Strength Training in Older Adults: Implications for Health, Disease and Physical Performance’ (https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3618195 and https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70014). Older adults typically exhibit reductions in skeletal muscle maximal strength and the ability to produce force rapidly. These reductions are often augmented by concomitant acute and chronic diseases, resulting in attenuated physical performance and higher propensity of falls and injuries. With the proportion of older adults in the population increasing, there is an alarming need for cost-effective strategies to improve physical performance and combat a multitude of age-related diseases. Surprisingly, despite convincing evidence emerging over three decades that strength training can substantially improve maximal strength (1RM), rate of force development (RFD) and power, contributing to improved health, physical performance and fall prevention, it appears that it has not fully arrived at the older adults' doorsteps. The aim of the current narrative review is to accentuate the convincing benefits of strength training in healthy and diseased older adults. As intensity appears to play a key role for improvements in 1RM, RFD and power, this review will emphasize training performed with heavy (80%–84% of 1RM) and very heavy loads (≥ 85% of 1RM), where the latter is often referred to as maximal strength training (MST). MST uses loads of ~90% of 1RM, which can only be performed a maximum of 3–5 times, 3–5 sets and maximal intentional concentric velocity. Strength training performed with loads in the heavy to very heavy domain of the spectrum may, because of the large increases in muscle strength, focuses on neural adaptations and relatively low risk, provides additional benefits for older adults and contrasts current guidelines which recommend low-to-moderate intensity (60%–70% of 1RM) and slow-moderate concentric velocity. This review also provides information on practical application of MST aimed at practitioners who are involved with preventive and/or rehabilitative health care for older adults.

• Izadi, Mani; Tøien, Tiril; Øhrn, Frank-David; Husby, Otto Schnell; Husby, Vigdis Kvitland Schnell & Winther, Siri Bjørgen [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Muscle strength is a key predictor of physical function in advanced knee osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. ISSN 2468-8630. 78(August), p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103339. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Skeletal muscle strength of the lower limbs is negatively impacted in advanced knee osteoarthritis. However, its role in predicting physical function of these patients remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate hierarchical linear regression associations between lower limbs' maximal muscle strength, rate of force development and physical function in 50 patients (age: 65 ± 8 years; 22 males and 28 females; and BMI: 31 ± 5 kg/m2) with advanced knee osteoarthritis. Results revealed that leg press maximal strength and leg extension maximum voluntary contraction were associated with sit-to-stand and stair climbing performance (all p < 0.001) and accounted for variances of 29 % and 38 % in 30-s sit-to-stand and 37 % and 24 % in stair climbing performance, respectively. Leg press maximal strength and leg extension maximum voluntary contraction were also associated with Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score - Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) (both p = 0.041), each accounting for 7 % of the variance. Similarly, rate of force development was associated with 30-s sit-to-stand (p < 0.001) and stair climbing performance (p = 0.05), explaining 22 % and 6 % of additional variances, respectively. No association was observed between measures of muscle strength and 40 m fast-paced walking. The present study highlights maximal muscle strength, and in part rate of force development, as powerful predictors of physical function in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis and may be used as simple, valuable measures when evaluating patients’ physical function.

• Buraas, Bent Frode; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Wang, Eivind (2025). Climbing performance in males: the importance of climbing-specific finger strength. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 125, p. 2823–2830. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05802-5. Full text in Research Archive
• Skliarova, Tatiana; Cabrera, Mariela Loreto Lara; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Heggelund, Jørn; Vedul-Kjelsås, Einar & Güzey, Ismail Cüneyt [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). The mental-health patient-activation measure : assessing validity, reliability, and responsiveness in outpatient settings. BMC Psychiatry. 25(1). doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-06939-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: The patient activation measure–mental health (PAM-MH) scale, adapted from the Patient Activation Measure-13 Items (PAM-13) developed in the United States, was designed to assess patient engagement and activation in mental health care. Despite initial validation of the PAM-MH in its original context, its applicability in other settings and its comparison to the gold standard PAM-13 remain unexplored. Furthermore, research addressing the face and construct validity of the PAM-MH is limited. This multi-phase study evaluated the face validity, construct validity, reliability and responsiveness of the PAM-MH in a Norwegian outpatient setting. Methods: A participatory approach was adopted to actively involve user representatives in validating the scale. The validation process consisted of four interconnected studies. In the first sub-study, user representatives were invited to contribute to establish face validity by providing quantitative feedback on the perceived value and burden of completing the PAM-MH. The second sub-study examined the construct validity. It was hypothesised that the PAM-MH measures the construct of patient activation and would therefore correlate with the PAM-13. This hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s r in a sample of 55 outpatients. The third sub-study evaluated test–retest reliability (via ICC) and internal consistency (using Cronbach’s α), in a sample of 27 outpatients who completed the PAM-MH on two separate occasions. The final sub-study explored the responsiveness of the scale to change, guided by predefined hypotheses, in a sample of 11 outpatients. Results: Adequate acceptability was established from users’ views of the value and burden of the scale (overall mean “value” score was 59.7% and mean “burden” was 39.6%). All hypotheses, established a priori for construct validity, reliability, and responsiveness-to-change, were confirmed. Conclusion: This multi-phase study employed a participatory approach to validate the PAM-MH in a Norwegian outpatient context. Preliminary results demonstrated satisfactory face validity and construct validity, along with good reliability and responsiveness-to-change. The findings suggest that the PAM-MH is both valid and reliable, making it a suitable questionnaire to measure patient activation in a Norwegian outpatient setting.

• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nygård, Mona; Güzey, Ismail Cüneyt; Morken, Gunnar & Wang, Eivind (2024). The long-lasting impact of high-intensity training via collaborative care in patients with schizophrenia: A 5-year follow-up study. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 275(2025)(January), p. 156–165. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.12.012. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although exercise is medicine for outpatients with schizophrenia, it is unclear if one-year adherence-supported exercise leads to a “tipping point”, at which the exercise becomes a routine manifested as life-long training in the patient group. Methods: Forty-eight outpatients (28 men/20 women: 35 ± 11 (mean ± SD) years) with schizophrenia (ICD-10: F20–29) were randomised to: 1) collaborative care group (TG), performing aerobic interval (AIT; 4 × 4-min treadmill walking/running at ∼90 % peak heart rate) and leg press maximal strength training (MST; 4 × 4 repetitions at ∼90 % maximal strength [1RM]) 2d·wk.−1 for 1-year, supported by transportation and training supervision; or 2) control group (CG). Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and walking work efficiency were measured directly along with scaled 1RM/power, anthropometry, blood pressure, and blood samples at inclusion, 1-year, and 5-years post-intervention. Results: The TG increased V̇O2peak (11 %, p < .01), scaled 1RM (40 %, p < .001), and power (26 %, p < .0

• Berg, Ole Kristian; Aagård, Norun; Helgerud, Jan; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Hoff, Jan & Wang, Eivind (2024). Maximal oxygen uptake, pulmonary function and walking economy are not impaired in patients diagnosed with long COVID. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. 125(2025), p. 1157–1166. doi: 10.1007/s00421-024-05652-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 may result in the development of new symptoms, known as long COVID, a few months after the original infection. Purpose: It is elusive to what extent physical capacity in patients diagnosed with long COVID is impacted. Methods: We compared maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), one of the single most important factors for cardiovascular health and mortality, expired lung volumes and air flow, oxygen cost of walking and 6-min-walking-test (6MWT), in 20 patients diagnosed with long COVID (11 males and 9 females; 44 ± 16 years (SD); 26.7 ± 3.8BMI, duration of acute phase 1.7 ± 1.2 weeks, tested 4 ± 3 months after long COVID diagnosis) with 20 healthy age and sex matched controls (11 males and 9 females; 44 ± 16 years; 25.9 ± 4.0BMI). Results: Long COVID patients had a V̇O2max of 41.4 ± 16.2 mL∙kg−1∙min−1(men) and 38.2 ± 7.5 (women) and this was not different from controls. Similarly, mean spirometry measures in the patient group (VC; FVC; FEV1; FEV1/FVC) were also not different (85–106%) fro

• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nygård, Mona; Vedul-Kjelsås, Einar; Harvey, Philip D. & Wang, Eivind (2024). Everyday function in schizophrenia: The impact of aerobic endurance and skeletal muscle strength. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 270(August), p. 144–151. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.027. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Patients with schizophrenia suffer from physical health conditions, culminating in reduced physical functioning with enormous costs for patients and society. Although aerobic endurance and skeletal muscle strength, typically reduced in this population, relate to cognition and function, no study has explored their respective contributions to performance of functional skills and everyday tasks. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 48 outpatients (28/20 men/women; 35 ± 11(SD) years) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD-10; F20–25) were administered the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment-Brief (UPSA-B; functional skills), Specific Level of Functioning (SLOF; functional performance) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome (PANSS) scale. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) was assessed along with leg press maximal muscle strength (1RM) and mechanical power. Results: UPSA-B performance was associated with V̇O2peak (r = 0.28,p < 0.05), accounting for 8 % (p < 0.05) of shared variance, but was unrel

• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Krogsæter, Iben; Helgerud, Jan; Wang, Eivind & Hoff, Jan (2023). Abdominal aerobic endurance exercise reveals spot reduction exists : a randomized controlled trial. Physiological Reports. 11(22). doi: 10.14814/phy2.15853. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The existence of spot reduction, exercise-induced local body fat reduction, has been debated for half a century. Although the evidence is equivocal, no study has applied aerobic endurance training closely matching interventions for energy expenditure. Sixteen overweight (BMI: 29.8 ± 3.3(SD) kg m−2) males (43 ± 9 years) were randomized to: (1) abdominal endurance exercise (AG), combining treadmill running at 70% HRmax (27 min) with 4 × 4 min (30%–40% maximal strength, 1RM) of torso rotation and abdominal crunches (57 min), 4 days⋅week−1 for 10 weeks; or (2) control group (CG) performing only treadmill running (45 min) at 70% HRmax. Local fat mass was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), along with 1RM, and pulmonary oxygen uptake (to control energy expenditure during training). Trunk fat mass decreased more (697 g, 3%, p < 0.05) in AG (1170 ± 1093 g, 7%; p < 0.05) than in CG (no change). Total fat mass (AG: 1705 ± 1179 g, 6%; CG: 1134 ± 731 g, 5%; both p < 0.01) and body weight (AG: 1.2 ± 1.2 kg, 1%, p < 0.05; CG: 2.3 ± 0.9 kg, 3%, p < 0.01) decreased similarly in AG/CG. Torso rotation (AG: 32 ± 16 kg, 39%, p < 0.01; CG: no change) and abdominal crunch 1RM (AG: 35 ± 16 kg, 36%, p < 0.01; CG: 13 ± 12 kg, 17%, p < 0.05) increased more (p < 0.05/0.01) in AG than CG. Abdominal endurance exercise utilized more local fat than treadmill running, indicating that spot reduction exists in adult males.

• Tøien, Tiril; Nielsen, Jakob Lindberg; Berg, Ole Kristian Brones; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nyberg, Stian Kwak & Espedal, Lars [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). The impact of life-long strength versus endurance training on muscle fiber morphology and phenotype composition in older men. Journal of applied physiology. ISSN 8750-7587. 135(6), p. 1360–1371. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00208.2023. Full text in Research Archive
• Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Lydersen, Stian; Güzey, Ismail Cüneyt; Morken, Gunnar & Heggelund, Jørn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Strength training integrated in long term collaborative care of patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 260(October), p. 67–75. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.08.017. Full text in Research Archive
• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nygård, Mona & Wang, Eivind (2022). Physical Health Impairment and Exercise as Medicine in Severe Mental Disorders: A Narrative Review. Sports Medicine - Open. 8(1), p. 1–19. doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00490-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Individuals with severe mental disorders (SMDs; schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) are not only suffering from their mental conditions; they also have an attenuated physical health, augmenting their overall critical condition. Objectives: We review and critically appraise the evidence based on (1) key physiological factors relating to aerobic endurance and skeletal muscle strength; (2) implications for physical function and health; and (3) effects of training interventions with different intensities evaluated in individuals with SMDs. Findings: Reductions in aerobic endurance factors, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and walking work efficiency, are paralleled by reductions in maximal skeletal muscle strength and power. In turn, the poor aerobic endurance and muscle strength lead to impaired physical function, increased risk of lifestyle-related diseases, and ultimately early death. Exercise has the potential to counteract the attenuated physical health in people with SMDs. While aerobic endurance training is shown to increase VO2peak due to plasticity of the oxygen transport system, strength training is documented to improve maximal muscle strength, power, and walking work efficiency as a result of adaptations in neuromuscular force developing factors. Conclusions: In conclusion, improvements in these key determinants for physical health appear to be achievable in people with SMDs despite many being challenged by motivational difficulties with attending regular exercise and have beneficial implications for physical function during activities of daily living, lifestyle-related diseases, and early death.

• Melby, Katrine; Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Gråwe, Rolf W.; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt & Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2021). Test-retest reliability of the patient activation measure-13 in adults with substance use disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 18>1185(3), p. 1–8. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031185. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM-13) is a valid and widely used questionnaire that assess an individual’s knowledge, confidence, and skills for self-management of their chronic illness. Although there is some evidence regarding its reliability, the test–retest reliability has not been investigated among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We investigated the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of PAM-13 in these populations. Test–retest reliability was analysed using data from 29 patients with SUDs and 28 with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Cronbach’s α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) scores were used to examine internal consistency and test–retest reliability, respectively. Of the 60 collected test–retest questionnaires, 57 were included in the analyses. No mean differences between time one (T1) and time two (T2) were observed in either patient group, except for item 12 in schizophrenia spectrum disorders patients (p < 0.05). Internal consistency for T1 and T2 was 0.75 and 0.84 in SUDs patients and 0.87 and 0.81 in schizophrenia spectrum disorders patients, respectively. The ICC was r = 0.86 in patients with SUDs and r = 0.93 in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. To conclude, PAM-13 showed good internal consistency and test–retest reliability in SUDs and schizophrenia spectrum disorders patients.

• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nygård, Mona; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo & Heggelund, Jørn [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). One‐year aerobic interval training in outpatients with schizophrenia : a randomized controlled trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(12), p. 2420–2436. doi: 10.1111/sms.13808. Full text in Research Archive
• Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Taylor, Joshua L.; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt & Morken, Gunnar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). Strength training restores force‐generating capacity in patients with schizophrenia. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 31(3), p. 665–678. doi: 10.1111/sms.13863. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have impaired skeletal muscle force‐generating capacity (FGC) of the lower extremities, that is, one repetition maximum (1RM) and rapid force development, and poor functional performance. We therefore investigated whether 12 weeks of maximal strength training (MST) could (a) restore FGC and functional performance to the level of healthy references, (b) increase patient activation and quality of life, and (c) explore associations between symptom severity, defined daily dose of medication, illness duration, level of patient activation, and improvements in FGC and functional performance. Forty‐eight outpatients were randomized to a training group (TG) or control group (CG). TG performed leg press MST 2 day/week at ~ 90% 1RM. The CG received two introductory training sessions and encouragement to train independently. Leg press 1RM, rapid force development, a battery of functional performance tests, Patient Activation Measure‐13, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey were tested. Healthy references performed baseline tests of FGC and functional performance. Thirty‐six patients completed the study (TG: 17, CG: 19). TG improved 1RM (28%) and rapid force development (20%, both P < .01) to a level similar to healthy references, while no change was apparent in the CG. TG’s improvement in rapid force development was negatively associated with defined daily dose of medication (r = −0.5, P = .05). Both TG and CG improved 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test performance (P < .05) which was associated with improved rapid force development (r = 0.6, P < .05). In conclusion, 12 weeks of MST restored patients’ lower extremity FGC to a level similar to healthy references and improved 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test performance.

• Brobakken, Mathias F; Nygård, Mona; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo & Heggelund, Jørn [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2019). Aerobic interval training in standard treatment of out-patients with schizophrenia - a randomized controlled trial. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-690X. 140(6), p. 498–507. doi: 10.1111/acps.13105. Full text in Research Archive
• Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias F; Roel, Ragnhild Bjerkem; Taylor, Joshua L.; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo & Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Patients with schizophrenia have impaired muscle force-generating capacity and functional performance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 29(12), p. 1968–1979. doi: 10.1111/sms.13526. Full text in Research Archive
• Brobakken, Mathias F; Nygård, Mona; Taylor, Joshua L.; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar & Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). A comprehensive cardiovascular disease risk profile in patients with schizophrenia. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 29(4), p. 575–585. doi: 10.1111/sms.13371. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Patients with schizophrenia are physically inactive and have high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) is one of the strongest predictors for CVD, yet is rarely investigated in this patient population, and how V̇O2peak relates to other conventional CVD risk measures in this population is unclear. We measured treadmill V̇O2peak along with daily physical activity assessed by triaxial accelerometry, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose in 48 outpatients (28 men, 35 ± 10 (SD) years; 20 women, 35 ± 12 years), diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal, or delusional disorders (ICD‐10; F20‐29). The patients were compared with 48 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy references (±2 years) and normative data from the population. V̇O2peak was 34.5 ± 8.7 mL/kg/min (men) and 26.4 ± 7.0 mL/kg/min (women), which was 27% and 30% lower than healthy references, respectively (both P < 0.01). V̇O2peak was not associated with daily physical activity in men while a weak association was seen in women (steps per day: r2 = 0.26; counts per minute: r2 = 0.25; P < 0.05). BMI (26.0 ± 6.1 kg/m2) revealed that patients were moderately overweight with a waist circumference of 103 ± 17 cm. Lipid‐ and glucose levels, and blood pressure were all within normative range. Our data advocate the utilization of V̇O2peak assessment for CVD risk profile determination in patients with schizophrenia. Daily physical activity was poorly and inconsistently related to V̇O2peak, suggesting increased daily physical activity might not translate into improved V̇O2peak and CVD risk reduction. Keywords: accelerometry, aerobic power, cholesterol, obesity, physical activity

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• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Sherman, Ronan Aron; Berg, Ole Kristian; Izadi, Mani; Tøien, Tiril Hoksnes & Unhjem, Runar Jakobsen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Neuromuscular benefits persist into very old age in strength-trained octogenarian master athletes: A 10-year follow-up study. Book of abstracts 31st annual congress of the European College of Sport Science. Full text in Research Archive
• Tøien, Tiril; Berg, Ole Kristian; Modena, Roberto; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Wang, Eivind (2025). Correction to ‘Heavy Strength Training in Older Adults: Implications for Health, Disease and Physical Performance’. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. ISSN 2190-5991. 16(2). doi: 10.1002/jcsm.70014. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article corrects the following: Tøien, T., Berg, O., Modena, R., Brobakken, M. and Wang, E. (2025), Heavy Strength Training in Older Adults: Implications for Health, Disease and Physical Performance. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 16: e13804, https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13804

• Berg, Ole Kristian Brones; Aagård, Norun; Helgerud, Jan; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Hoff, Jan & Wang, Eivind (2025). No impairment of maximal oxygen uptake, pulmonary function and walking economy in patients diagnosed with long COVID: consideration of disease severity. European Journal of Applied Physiology. ISSN 1439-6319. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05722-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Helgerud, Jan; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg & Fossen, Dennis (2024). Slik bestemmer du hvor på kroppen du forbrenner fett. [Internet]. ABC Nyheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Nygård, Mona; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo & Heggelund, Jørn [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Aerobic Interval Training Integrated In Collaborative Care Of Outpatients With Schizophrenia: One-year Outcomes. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Although aerobic interval training (AIT) is recognised to attenuate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality, it appears that it rarely arrives at patients’ doorsteps. PURPOSE: This study investigated 1-year outcomes when AIT was integrated with municipal and specialised health service in collaborative care of outpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Forty-eight outpatients (28 men, 35±10 (SD) years; 20 women, 35±12 years) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD10) were randomised to either a collaborative care group provided transportation and training supervision and walking/running 4x4-minutes at ~90% of peak heart rate (HRpeak) 2 d·wk-1 (TG), or a control group (CG) given 2 introductory AIT sessionsand advised to continue training. RESULTS: Directly assessed peak oxygen uptake (V̇ O2peak) increased in the TG (3-months: 2.7±3.1 mL·kg-1·min-1; 6-months: 3.2±3.0 mL·kg-1·min-1; 1-year: 3.3±3.1 mL·kg-1·min-1; all p<0.001; different from CG: p<0.05-0.001). In contrast, V̇ O2peak remained unchanged (3/6-months) and decreased (1-year:-1.8±3.8 mL·kg-1·min-1, p<0.05) in the CG. One-year cardiac effects revealed increased HRpeak (3±7 b·min-1, p<0.05; different from CG: p<0.01) in the TG and decreased HRpeak (-3±7 b·min-1, p<0.05) in the CG, while peak stroke volume tended to be higher (0.87±2.15 mL·b-1, p=0.12) in the TG compared to the CG. Conventional risk factors (body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and lipids/glucose) were unaltered. One-year regular AIT rates were 15/25 (TG; different from CG: p<0.0001) and 0/23 (CG), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AIT was successfully integrated in long-term collaborative care of outpatients with schizophrenia, advocating this model for aerobic capacity improvement and CVD risk reduction in future treatment.

• Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias Forsberg; Taylor, Joshua Landen; Reitan, Solveig Merete Klæbo; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt & Morken, Gunnar [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). 12 Weeks Of Maximal Strength Training Restores Muscle Force-generating Capacity In Patients With Schizophrenia. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD-10) suffer from impaired muscle force-generating capacity (MFGC) and functional performance of the lower extremities. PURPOSE. To investigate if 12 weeks of maximal strength training (MST) would restore MFGC and functional performance. METHODS. Forty-eight outpatients (28 men, 35±10 yrs; 20 women, 35±12 yrs) were randomized to a training group (TG) or control group (CG). Forty-eight age and gender matched healthy controls (28 men/20 women, 35±11 yrs) were tested to establish reference values. TG performed leg press MST (4x4 repetitions) 2d/week for 12 weeks at ~90% one repetition maximum (1RM). CG received two sessions of MST and encouragement to follow traditional physical activity guidelines. RESULTS. 17/24 patients in the TG (12 men/5 women, 34±11 years) completed 79% of training sessions and 19/22 patients in the CG (9 men/10 women, 37±12 years) completed the study. TG improved 1RM (28%, 12.6±4.1 to 16.2±5.0 Kg·mb -0.67, p<0.01) and rapid force development (20%, 18.6±8.6 to 22.4±10.8 N·m·s-1·mb -0.67, p<0.01), reaching 106% and 85% of healthy reference values, respectively. TG improvements differed from CG (p<0.01) where no changes occurred (1RM; 11.4±3.0 to 12.0±2.7 Kg·mb -0.67, rapid force development 16.4±6.9 to 17.3±6.5 N·m·s-1·mb -0.67). Both TG and CG improved 30-second sit-tostand test (30sSTS) performance (15±3 to 17±4 stands and 13±3 to 14±3 stands, respectively, p<0.05). Changes were not apparent as between group difference nor close the gap to reference levels (27±5 stands). CONCLUSION. MST restored the patients’ lower extremity MFGC and improved 30sSTS performance. Supported by grants from the Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation, The Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and The Norwegian Directorate of Health.

• Nygård, Mona; Brobakken, Mathias F; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar; Vedul-Kjelsås, Einar & Wang, Eivind [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Strength Training In Patients With Schizophrenia: Effects On Muscle Force Generating Capacity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 49, p. 431–431. Full text in Research Archive
• Brobakken, Mathias F; Nygård, Mona; Guzey, Ismail Cuneyt; Morken, Gunnar; Wang, Eivind & Heggelund, Jørn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile in Patients with Schizophrenia. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 49, p. 432–432. Full text in Research Archive

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