Despite the known benefits of physical activity, the majority of Canadians fail to meet recommended guidelines. Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) also fail to meet recommended guidelines. Exercise, a critical component of physical activity, is considered the cornerstone of axSpA management. Simple health technologies such as mobile phone messaging and email can be useful tools to increase engagement in regular physical activity among the general public and patients with chronic disease. As such, the aim of this research project is to develop and test a patient-centered strategy that provides education on the importance of physical activity and utilizes existing health technologies (such as smart phone applications) to encourage regular participation in physical activity. The results of this study are expected to demonstrate that patients with axSpA will increase their daily engagement in physical activity, and therefore improve symptoms, function and overall quality of life.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
106
Patient-centered, technology-based intervention strategy aimed at increasing physical activity in patients with axSpA
University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGChanges in levels of physical activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form questionnaire (IPAQ-SF)
The IPAQ-SF is a self-report questionnaire designed to estimate total physical activity in MET-min/week by assessing the types of intensity of physical activity and sitting time that people do as part of their daily lives.
Time frame: Assessed electronically by an e-survey platform at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks in the intervention and control groups.
Changes in exercise behaviour as measured by an adapted Stanford Exercise Behaviours Questionnaire
2-item questionnaire measuring total time (minutes) spent on stretching and strengthening exercises each week.
Time frame: Assessed electronically by an e-survey platform at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks in the intervention and control groups.
Change in levels of physical activity as measured by Accelerometry
Participants wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days at baseline and again at 12 weeks. The participant will mail back the activity monitor using a pre-paid envelope following each seven-day period.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks.
Change in perceived benefits and barriers to exercise as a result of the technology-based intervention strategy as measured by the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS)
The EBBS measures perceptions regarding the benefits of, and barriers to, exercise.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks.
Change in functioning and health as a result of the technology-based intervention strategy as measured by the ASAS Health Index
The self-report questionnaire measures functioning and health across 17 aspects of health and 9 environmental factors in patients with spondyloarthritis. The items measure the concept of 'functioning, disability and health'
Time frame: Assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks.
Change in disease activity over the course of 12 weeks as measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDI) questionnaire
Disease activity, including pain, fatigue and stiffness as measured by the BASDAI questionnaire (a 0 - 10 visual analog scale) weekly.
Time frame: From baseline, assessed up to 12 weeks.
Change in function over the course of 12 weeks as measured by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) questionnaire
Function as measured by the BASFI questionnaire (0 - 10 visual analog scale) weekly.
Time frame: From baseline, assessed up to 12 weeks.
Number of accepted invites over the course of 12 weeks
Acceptance of planned exercise, as measured by uptake of health technology-based intervention strategy
Time frame: From baseline, assessed up to 12 weeks.
Frequency of physical activity sessions as a result of the technology-based intervention strategy over the course of 12 weeks
Acceptance of planned exercise, as measured by uptake of health technology-based intervention strategy
Time frame: From baseline, assessed up to 12 weeks.
Duration of physical activity sessions as a result of the technology-based intervention strategy over the course of 12 weeks
Acceptance of planned exercise, as measured by uptake of health technology-based intervention strategy
Time frame: From baseline, assessed up to 12 weeks.
Acceptance of health technology-based intervention strategy, as measured by the Mobile Application Rating Scale
Acceptance of intervention, as measured by the Mobile Application Rating Scale. MARS is a 5-point scale from 1-inadequate or strongly disagree to 5-excellent or strongly agree that accesses app quality, app subjective quality, and perceived impact of the app on user's knowledge, intentions to change as well as the likelihood of actual change in the target health behaviour. Higher scores indicate greater quality and acceptance of the intervention.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Assessed at 12 weeks.
Number of enrolled participants who complete the study
Adherence, as measured by the rate of study completion.
Time frame: Assessed at 12 weeks.