The Effect of Exercise on Disease Activity and Cardiovascular Risk for Patients With Axial SpondyloArthritis

Exercise for SpondyloArthritis (SpA) - the ESpA Study The Effect of a Supervised Exercise Intervention on Disease Activity and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With SpA - A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

The overall aim of this multicenter randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate if exercise can modify the disease course and prevent comorbidity in patient with spondyloarthritis (SpA).

International guidelines recommend exercise as a cornerstone in the management of SpA. Due to the typical features of SpA with reduced spinal mobility, the main focus for exercise has been flexibility exercise. Exercise trials for this patient group have mainly aimed at improving spinal mobility and there is limited evidence of the potential effects of exercise on disease pathogenesis and CVD risk factors.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of axial SpA (the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria) confirmed by a rheumatologist
2. Age, 18-70 -years
3. Steady medication for ≥3 months
4. Moderate disease activity defined as a BASDAI score of ≥3.5 or a patient global score ≥3.5
5. Not participated in a structured endurance and strength exercise program during the last 6 months (>1 hour/week)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe co-morbidity which involves reduced exercise capacity and/or contraindications for physical activity as per American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise testing
2. Not able to participate in weekly exercises sessions
3. Pregnancy