Health Technology to Improve Exercise in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Overseen By Laura Passalent

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Non-English, Cardiovascular disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

106 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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.

Research Team

Laura Passalent

Principal Investigator

University Health Network, Toronto

Eligibility Criteria

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

Enrolled in the SPARCC Research Program

Passes pre-participation health screen

Have access to email and a smart phone device (Android or iOS operating systems)

Exclusion Criteria

Not enrolled in the SPARCC Research Program

I do not have health issues that stop me from being active.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive educational modules and access to health technology tools to encourage physical activity

12 weeks

Electronic communication at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, exercise behavior, and health outcomes

12 weeks

Electronic assessments at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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.

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology Care

Collaborator

Trials

6

Recruited

540+