axSpA during flare - V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating pain and movement during flares in axial spondyloarthritis: A trial within cohort study (TwiCs)
IRAS ID
341743
Contact name
Alaa Kattan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 15 days
Research summary
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Flares are periods of increased disease activity and muscle activity, which significantly impact patients' ability to move and perform daily tasks, often accompanied by increased pain and fear of movement, known as kinesiophobia, leading to long-term reductions in mobility and quality of life. Although physical activity is recognized as a valuable self-management tool, some axSpA patients report discomfort or joint injury during exercise, limiting their physical performance.
Additionally, proprioception is often impaired in inflammatory joint diseases, including axSpA. However, proprioception is poorly investigated in axSpA patients. it is required to better understand mobility and proprioception during and after flares. Electromyography (EMG) Combining with motion capture will provide a more complete picture of spinal biomechanics during these periods.VR systems have shown promise in managing chronic pain and improving physical function through distraction and engaging virtual games. but its feasibility for axSpA patients remains understudied.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to Evaluate the usability and acceptability of using VR exercises for axSpA patients during flare periods, for pain management, kinesiophobia, mobility improvement, muscle activity and proprioception deficit between 2 groups.Objectives:
1- To examine the impact of VR training on reducing kinesiophobia, pain management
and disease activity by analysing the correlation between ROM and velocity during VR
training and EMG muscle activity, TSK, BASFI, BASMI, BASDAI, VAS, McGill Pain Questionnaires.
2- To assess Proprioception with VR by JPE test.
3- To evaluate the acceptability and usability of using VR for axSpA rehabilitation via interviews and questionnaires (VR motion sickness, SUS and TAM questionnaires)
4- To assess correlation between radiographic disease progression in the spine and mobility using mSASSS and mNY criteria, both scored from spinal X-rays, with BASMI and ROM.
5- to measure muscle activity pre, during and post flare.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0252
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion