Health Technology to Improve Exercise in axSpA

University Health Network, Toronto

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Axial Spondyloarthritis

Treatments: Other: Health technology-based intervention strategy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05504616

19-5919

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 106 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (aged 18 and older) with a diagnosis of axSpA based on ASAS criteria
• Have access to email and a smart phone device (Android or iOS operating systems)
• Enrolled in the SPARCC Research Program
• Passes pre-participation health screen

Exclusion criteria

• Non-English speaking
• Not enrolled in the SPARCC Research Program
• Comorbidities or physical impairments that may preclude physical activity (e.g., symptomatic cardiovascular disease; wheelchair bound etc.)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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106 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants randomized to the intervention group will receive an initial electronic communication (i.e. email) that includes: * Link to physical activity education. This will be an educational module based on Phase 1 results and evidence-based literature regarding the benefits of physical activity in the general population and specific to axSpA. * One week after receiving the physical activity educational module, participants will receive access to the ADAS application and an .ics file for each 3-week cycle of electronic calendar reminders to engage in physical activity.

Treatment:

Other: Health technology-based intervention strategy

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants randomized to the control group will receive usual care, which includes standard rheumatology care and access to educational materials on the importance of exercise and physical activity available through the TWH Spondylitis Program and through the public domain. They will receive a link to the physical activity educational module at baseline. They also have access to the program physiotherapist for a single one-hour individualized exercise consultation as requested by either the patient or the treating rheumatologist.