Association of an app-based intervention with improvements in mobility, trunk muscle strength and patient-reported disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis: a 24-week pre–post study
Patrick-Pascal Strunz, Marc Schmalzing, Amelie Wüst, Patricia Possler, Tobias Heusinger, Maxime le Maire, Anna Fleischer, Thorsten Bley, Michael Gernert, Hannah Labinsky, Ottar Gadeholt, Robert Leppich, Astrid Schmieder, Ludwig Hammel, Billy Sperlich, Ann-Cathrin Koschker, Hermann Einsele, Matthias Froehlich, Karsten Sebastian LuetkensBackground:
In a nationwide randomised controlled trial among 200 axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients, the medical app Axia improved patient-reported disease activity scores, functional status and quality of life.
Objective:
This companion study aimed to explore Axia’s effects on objective parameters such as mobility, strength and imaging.
Design:
Single-centre, two-phase pre-post intervention study over 24 weeks.
Methods:
Thirty-two patients with axSpA on stable pharmacotherapy underwent 12 weeks of standard care (phase I) followed by 12 weeks of Axia use (phase II). The primary endpoint was Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) at week 24 (W24) versus week 12 (W12) and baseline. Secondary endpoints included muscle strength, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), safety and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints.
Results:
Twenty-seven (84%) of 32 participants (mean age 49.1 years, 48.1% females and radiographic axSpA, 66.7% biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs therapy) completed the study. During standard care, BASMI (baseline 3.1; W12 3.0;
Conclusion:
Axia use was associated with improved spinal mobility, extensor strength and disease activity, without relevant safety concerns.
Trial registration:
The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00038067).