Medical Exercise Therapy (MET) – criteria
MET – Medical Exercise Therapy is a scientific and evidence-based form of treatment supported by the biopsychosocial model of human function. Oddvar Holtens MET criteria were adopted by the Norwegian Health Insurance and National Insurance Administration in 1967. Since this date, MET has been funded nationally by the National Insurance Scheme (C32 – MTT), allowing up to 5 patients per group.
“A form of treatment in which the patient trains with specially adapted exercise equipment. The equipment is designed to optimally stimulate functional qualities related to various body systems such as neuromuscular, arthrogen, circulatory and respiratory systems. To achieve this effect, training is carried out from specially adapted starting positions, in which movement occurs through defined ranges of motion or parts of them, with a properly prescribed load dosage. For MET to be effective, a minimum of 1 hour of training is expected (excluding showers and clothing changes). Before starting MET treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is performed based on the following areas: 1) muscle testing, 2) specific joint testing, and 3) functional testing. Physical assessment and the patient's history form the basis of an optimized and customized individual training program. Throughout the treatment period, the patient will undergo retesting and ongoing evaluations to ensure that any necessary adjustments or advancements in the program are met in a timely manner. “A maximum of five patients are allowed per treatment group”, Oddvar Holten (1967)

MET – 1967 to present
MET was originally a form of biomedical treatment that focused on specific training stimuli aimed at affecting changes in various soft tissue structures. In addition, the importance of performing pain-free training and exercises correctly with the correct technique was emphasized. Over time, these areas of focus have changed, particularly focusing on changing tissue structure. Since the 1990s, the concept of "functional training" has been introduced instead of trying to change or affect arthritis, partial or full thickness tendon rupture, prolapse or similar soft tissue disorders. Instead, functional training focused on what the patient could actually achieve and the patient's belief in his or her abilities. Treatment that focuses on what the patient can actually achieve rather than structural changes in the body is an important part of MET today.