Study of Home-Based Walking Exercise as an Added Treatment for Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients on Biologic Therapy Comparing Effects on Inflammation and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a 12-week home-based aerobic exercise program on people living with axial spondyloarthritis axSpA who are receiving biologic medications. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine whether brisk walking can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and lower markers of immune-mediated inflammation. The study also compares data from axSpA patients with a healthy control group to better understand these effects. Participants in the exercise group will be asked to perform 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week at a moderate intensity for 12 weeks, using a wrist-worn activity monitor to track heart rate and activity. They will visit the study site every four weeks for blood samples and questionnaires. The usual care group will continue their normal care routine and attend the same visits for assessments. Healthy controls will provide baseline comparisons. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor changes in spinal pain, disease activity, immune cell types, and various inflammatory markers at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Additional assessments include quality of life, physical function, exercise capacity, body composition, symptom burden, work productivity, sleep quality, and medication adherence. The study will last 12 weeks, with regular evaluations to understand the impact of the exercise intervention.

EXercise Therapy in Axial SpA, Inflammation and Biologic Therapy (ExTASI-B)