Physical Activity and Attitudes Toward Exercise in People With Axial and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate physical activity and attitudes towards exercise among people with axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods Using baseline information from an on-going, longitudinal, prospective SpA cohort study (n=264), self-reported attitudes and beliefs towards exercise were assessed using questionnaires. Total metabolic equivalent (MET) hours of self-reported physical activity per week, time spent in activities, and activity levels were calculated from the Nurses’ Health Study Physical Activity Questionnaire II (NHSPAQ II). Adjusted multivariable linear models estimated the relationship between physical activity and disease status (axial versus peripheral). Results Regardless of predominant anatomic distribution of disease, most participants were well-educated, non-Hispanic white men. Approximately 40% met the United States Department of Health and Human Services physical activity recommendations. Positive attitudes, beliefs, and perceived benefits towards exercise were similar by anatomic distribution of disease. Despite similar MET-hours per week, participants with axial disease had greater concerns regarding discomfort and joint injuries than those with peripheral disease. Compared to those with peripheral SpA (n=201), participants with axial SpA (n=63) spent less time engaging in light and moderate activities (adjusted β in light activity: -1.94 minutes/week, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -2.96 to -0.93; adjusted β in moderate activity: -1.05 minutes/week, 95% CI: -2.12 to 0.02). Conclusion Participants with axial SpA had greater concerns regarding discomfort and injuries from exercise than those with peripheral SpA. Although no differences in time spent in vigorous activities were observed, participants with axial SpA spent less time than those with peripheral SpA in light to moderate activities.

Lifestyle modification and inflammation in people with axial spondyloarthropathy—A scoping review

“…Public health guidelines recommend ≥150 min per week of moderate to vigorous PA (UK CMO Guidelines Writing Group, 2019) and meeting this is associated with up to a 35% reduced risk of CVD mortality (Wahid et al., 2016). Patients with AS are at a greater risk of inactivity than the general population due to barriers including pain, fatigue, lack of mobility (Rasmussen et al., 2020) and concerns of discomfort and injury (Liu et al., 2021). Consequently, it is widely considered that patients with AS are less active and more sedentary than the general population (Coulter et al., 2020; O’Dwyer et al., 2015), and this compounds their already higher risk of CVD.…”

“…Public health guidelines recommend ≥150 min per week of moderate to vigorous PA (UK CMO Guidelines Writing Group, 2019) and meeting this is associated with up to a 35% reduced risk of CVD mortality (Wahid et al, 2016). Patients with AS are at a greater risk of inactivity than the general population due to barriers including pain, fatigue, lack of mobility (Rasmussen et al, 2020) and concerns of discomfort and injury (Liu et al, 2021).…”