Studying How Movement Tracked by Smartwatches Helps Manage Axial Spondyloarthritis Using Patient Surveys and Mobility Data to Create Movement Recommendations

What this Trial Is About

Axial spondyloarthritis axSpa is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the back, causing pain, reduced function, and lower quality of life. Despite treatments like biological agents, only about 25% of patients reach remission. Physical activity plays an important role in controlling the disease, but daily movement patterns are not yet tracked in clinical practice. This study aims to analyze how different types, frequencies, and intensities of movement affect disease control and to develop clear movement recommendations for patients with axSpa. This is a monocentric longitudinal observational study where 50 participants with axSpa will be monitored over 6 months. Movement, physical activity, heart rate, and heart rate variability data are collected continuously using an AppleWatch SE smartwatch paired with a specially designed study app on the participants own iPhone. Every two weeks, patients complete surveys about disease activity, pain, and function. Patients visit the clinic every 3 months for physical exams and assessments. Data from the smartwatch and surveys will be analyzed to create specific movement recommendations. Participants will wear the smartwatch and use the app to track activity and report symptoms throughout the 6-month study. Clinical visits occur every 3 months for examinations and medical history updates. Researchers measure outcomes such as daily steps, training and standing time, average heart rate, heart rate variability, pain levels, and disease activity. The goal is to provide concrete advice on movement to help manage axSpa symptoms, prevent flares, and improve recovery. The total participation time is 6 months with data collected continuously and surveys completed biweekly.

A LONGITUDINAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY to EVALUATE the EFFICACY of MOVEMENT and IMPLEMENT CONCRETE MOVEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS with the HELP of MOBILITY TRACKING with SMARTWATCHES in SUBJECTS with AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS