Long-term Association Between Physical Activity and Global Functioning in Patients with axSpA: Results of a 2 Year Prospective Study

Kwi Young Kang¹ and Hyoun-Ah Kim², ¹Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea, ²Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea

Meeting: ACR Convergence 2023

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), physical activity, quality of life, spondyloarthritis

Session Information

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023

Title: (1383–1411) Spondyloarthritis Including Psoriatic Arthritis – Diagnosis, Manifestations, & Outcomes Poster II: Imaging & AS

Session Type: Poster Session B

Session Time: 9:00AM-11:00AM

Background/Purpose: To assess the longitudinal association between physical activity and global functioning in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to identify the subtype of physical activity that is longitudinally related to global functioning.

Methods: Data from 160 patients enrolled in the Incheon Saint Mary’s axSpA prospective observational cohort were evaluated. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Global functioning was assessed using the ASAS health index (HI). The amount and subtype of physical activity, disease activity, and ASAS HI were assessed at baseline, and at the 1 year and 2 year follow-ups. Levels of physical activity were categorized as low, moderate, or high. The longitudinal association between physical activity and ASAS HI scores was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation.

Results: Univariate analysis identified physical activity exceeding moderate levels, disease activity status, and syndesmophyte number as being longitudinally associated with ASAS HI over 2 years. Multivariate analysis identified physical activity exceeding moderate levels as being longitudinal association with ASAS HI (β (95% confidence interval) = -0.244 (-0.423 – -0.065)). Physical activity above moderate levels was associated independently with good global functioning (ASAS HI ≤5). Subgroup analysis revealed a positive association between physical activity and global functioning, which was consistent for both radiographic axSpA and nonradiographic axSpA. Only recreational activity, but not work- and transport-related activity, showed an independent longitudinal relationship with the ASAS HI score.

Conclusion: Physical activity exceeding moderate levels was associated independently with global functioning in axSpA; thus, patients should maintain physical activity above moderate levels to preserve global function.

Disclosures: K. Kang: None; H. Kim: None.

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Kang K, Kim H. Long-term Association Between Physical Activity and Global Functioning in Patients with axSpA: Results of a 2 Year Prospective Study [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023; 75 (suppl 9). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/long-term-association-between-physical-activity-and-global-functioning-in-patients-with-axspa-results-of-a-2-year-prospective-study/. Accessed .

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