Correlation between Physical Activity Level and Disease Activity in Axial Spondyloarthritis

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease associated with pain, stiffness, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Although physical activity is a key component of non-pharmacological management and has beneficial effects on disease outcomes, patients with axSpA are generally less physically active, and higher disease activity may be associated with lower physical activity participation. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between physical activity level and disease activity among patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to December 2025. Eighty patients with axial spondyloarthritis were enrolled. Disease activity, functional status, and physical activity level were assessed using BASDAI, BASFI, and IPAQ-SF, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 80 patients with axial spondyloarthritis, moderate physical activity was the most common level (46.3%), while 60.0% had active disease. Mean BASDAI scores decreased significantly with increasing physical activity, from 5.6 ± 1.4 in the low-activity group to 3.6 ± 1.2 in the high-activity group (p < 0.001). Physical activity showed significant negative correlations with BASDAI (r = −0.52) and BASFI (r = −0.44), both p < 0.001. The mean BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, and pain scores were 4.8 ± 1.6, 4.3 ± 1.5, 4.2 ± 1.4, and 5.3 ± 1.7, respectively, while the mean CRP and ESR levels were 11.8 ± 8.6 mg/L and 28.4 ± 17.2 mm/hr, respectively. Conclusion: Higher physical activity levels were significantly associated with lower disease activity and better functional status among patients with axial spondyloarthritis.