I-PHAN Study - Use of E-learning modules to Promote Physical activity and wellness among Nurses in order to improve mental and physical health: a research protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Aim. To develop and test the effectiveness of an E-learning program for promoting physical activity (PA) and wellness among nurses. Background. Restrictions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drastically changed many people's lives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an everyday challenge faced by the general popula- tion. Nurses are one of the health care professionals who are typically well-educated in taking care of patients. There are studies that show that night shifts, extended shifts, and obesity have a correlation with the prevalence of acute low back pain among female nurses. PA is the key factor in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life. The impact of social media and technology on our lives is undeniable in the modern era. Design. This study will be a single-centre, single-blind, randomi- zed controlled trial executed on an E-learning platform to provide the control and intervention groups with a distance learning program. Par- ticipants will be randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. Participants in the control group will only sign up for module 1 of the PA modules, which only comprises information on PA and health promotion. On the other hand, the participants in the intervention group are expected to carry out 3 modules of exercises at home three days a week for a total duration of 8 weeks. The exercises will be performed at moderate intensity (5–6 on the Borg CR10 Scale). Ethical issues. This trial will comply with the declaration of Helsinki 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed written consent will be obtained from the participants. The Sapienza University of Rome, institutional ethics committee and review board approval will be requested for this study. Conclusion. Establishing an online PA program with good quality, such as a high level of convenience in access and use, simplified, easy to practice, and made available on social media, can minimize the difficulties faced previously in the implementation of an online PA program for nurses, and may enhance the health and wellbeing of many nurses in healthcare institutions.