This is an observational study using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors to measure the effects of biological therapy on spinal mobility and function in axial spondyloarthritis. Participants will undergo MRI scans before and after therapy in parallel to the sensor tests to establish correlation between changes in inflammatory signs and changes in spinal mobility.
We will study 20 participants with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who are about to start biologic therapy as part of routine care. In brief, we will carry out the following assessments before and after therapy: 1. MRI of spine and Sacroiliac (SI) joints - modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) scoring 2. Record standard Patient recorded outcomes (PROs): Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Global (BASG), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score Health Index (ASAS-HI), Euroquol 3 level health assessment (EQ5D-3L), work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire (WPAI), Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health enhancing physical activity (SQUASH), 3. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) 4. IMU sensor tests in clinic for range of motion (ROM) in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. 5. IMU sensor tests at home for standardised function testing
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Measurement of maximum range of movement in the spine; Ambulatory observational data while performing standardised functional tests
Department of Rheumatology, Altnagelvin Hospital
Londonderry, N.Ireland, United Kingdom
RECRUITINGChange in composite IMU sensor based metrology index (IMU-ASMI)
Change in AxSpA metrology index based on sensor tests of Range of Movement (i.e. spinal mobility). Scale 0-10, with 10 being severe loss of spinal mobility.
Time frame: 4 months
Change in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI)
Change in traditional metrology index of spinal mobility. Scale 0-10, with 10 being severe loss of spinal mobility.
Time frame: 4 months
Change in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)
Change in axSpA disease activity. BASDAI scale 0-10, 10 representing high disease activity
Time frame: 4 months
Change in Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society Response Criteria (ASAS20)
Change in axSpA disease activity response - 20% improvement is regarded as minimum improvement in at least three of Patient global assessment, Pain assessment, BASFI and Inflammation (last two questions of BASDAI)
Time frame: 4 months
Change in modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS)
Change in MRI score of inflammation. Range 0-72 the sum of scores for 24 vertebral edges in the lumbar and cervical regions, higher represents more spinal damage.
Time frame: 4 months
Change in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)
Change in traditional questionnaire function assessment 0-10 scale, 10 representing a high degree of functional impairment
Time frame: 4 months
Change in Sit to Stand Test Scores
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Change in standardised function score. Time taken to complete 5 sit to stand actions from a seated position on a chair at standard height.
Time frame: 4 months