Health Technology to Improve Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if health technology, such as smartphone apps and emails, can help individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine) remain more active. The trial will assess whether these tools can promote regular exercise, which is vital for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. One group of participants will use these tech tools as part of a health technology-based intervention strategy, while the other group will continue their usual care routines. Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis who use a smartphone and are part of the SPARCC Research Program may be well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing daily life and managing symptoms effectively.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on increasing physical activity using health technology.
What prior data suggests that this health technology-based intervention strategy is safe?
Research shows that using health technology to encourage exercise is safe for people with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis affecting the spine. One study used wearable devices to help individuals with this condition exercise at home and found the devices safe and easy to use. Another study examined high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and found it improved heart health without worsening the condition.
These findings suggest that using apps and digital tools to encourage exercise is likely safe and can improve health without causing harm. For those considering joining a trial like this, the evidence so far indicates it's a safe way to become more active.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a health technology-based approach to boost exercise habits in people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Unlike traditional care, which often involves medication and standard exercise guidance, this intervention uses digital tools like educational modules and the ADAS application to encourage physical activity. This tech-driven strategy aims to make it easier for patients to integrate beneficial exercise routines into their daily lives, potentially leading to improved outcomes without additional medication. By leveraging technology, this approach could offer more personalized and consistent support, making it a promising addition to AS management.
What evidence suggests that this health technology-based intervention strategy is effective for improving exercise in ankylosing spondylitis?
Research has shown that exercise is crucial for managing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A review of studies found that both supervised and home exercise programs can reduce symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis, a type of axSpA. Other studies indicate that digital exercise programs can decrease disease activity and improve health in these patients. Digital health tools, like mobile apps, have successfully encouraged regular exercise without increasing health risks. One small study suggested that technology-assisted home exercises can significantly improve health outcomes for axSpA patients. These findings support using health technology, such as the intervention tested in this trial, to enhance exercise participation and overall quality of life for people with axSpA.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Laura Passalent
Principal Investigator
University Health Network, Toronto
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who are part of the SPARCC Research Program. Participants must pass a health screen, have access to email and a smartphone, and be able to engage in physical activity without restrictions from other serious health issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive educational modules and access to health technology tools to encourage physical activity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, exercise behavior, and health outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Health technology-based intervention strategy
Trial Overview
The study aims to develop and test a strategy using health technology like smartphone apps and emails to encourage regular exercise among axSpA patients. The goal is for participants to increase daily physical activity, which may improve symptoms and quality of life.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
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.
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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology Care
Collaborator
Citations
Facilitators influencing participation in digitally-based high ...
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective way to improve cardiovascular health without risk of increased disease activity.
Effects of a Digital Functional Exercise Program on the ...
A recent meta-analysis found that both supervised and home-based exercise programs are beneficial in reducing Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis ...
NCT06462937 | A Digital Exercise Intervention in Patients ...
Main objectives: To assess if a digital personally tailored exercise program with remote follow-up can reduce disease activity measured by ankylosing ...
Digital health technologies to strengthen patient-centred ...
Digital health technologies to strengthen patient-centred outcome assessment in clinical trials in inflammatory arthritis
Randomized Pilot Controlled Clinical Trial
Our pilot study suggests that this technology-assisted combined home-based exercise program can improve the clinical outcomes of patients with AS who have no ...
Health Technology to Improve Exercise in Ankylosing ...
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 ...
Adherence, Efficacy, and Safety of Wearable Technology ...
The goal of the research was to investigate the adherence, efficacy, and safety of a wearable technology–assisted combined home-based exercise program in AS.
Remote monitoring or patient-initiated care in axial ...
This study aimed to determine whether novel follow-up regimen, remote monitoring, or patient-initiated care is noninferior to usual care in maintaining low ...
Efficacy of a tight-control and treat-to-target strategy in axial ...
This is the first study evaluating the efficacy of a treat-to-target and tight control (TC) approach in axSpA compared with UC.
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