NCT07642622 · University of Washington
Physical Activity Through Health Technology in Axial Spondyloarthritis
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to find out whether a mobile app called the ExerciseRx app is a practical and helpful way for people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) to receive exercise recommendations as part of their regular rheumatology care. Researchers want to learn: Whether people with axSpA find the ExerciseRx app easy to use and helpful for supporting regular exercise.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to find out whether a mobile app called the ExerciseRx app is a practical and helpful way for people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) to receive exercise recommendations as part of their regular rheumatology care. Researchers want to learn: Whether people with axSpA find the ExerciseRx app easy to use and helpful for supporting regular exercise. Whether using the ExerciseRx app leads to improvements in symptoms, physical function, and disease activity compared with usual care. Participants assigned to the ExerciseRx group will use the app to complete guided exercises for 20-30 minutes, four times per week. They will also receive personalized weekly step-count goals to help increase their physical activity. Researchers will compare outcomes between participants using the app and those receiving usual care.
Interventions
OTHER
Physical activity program intervention
Patients complete home exercise sessions given via the ExerciseRx app over 20-30 minutes 4 times per week for 12 weeks and receive daily step count goals. Patients also receive a FitBit to wear continuously throughout the study, and are given access to view their step counts via the ExerciseRx app, and receive an educational handout with exercises for axial spondyloarthritis.
OTHER
Usual Care Group
Patients receive recommendations from their physicians to continue their usual physical activity as tolerated, receive a FitBit to wear continuously throughout the study, with the ExerciseRx app locked to the baseline home screen, and receive an educational handout with exercises for axial spondyloarthritis.
Primary outcome measures
Average minutes of physical activity/exercise during the week and % of participants with adherence to 60% or higher of the recommended exercises
Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), 6 and 12
We will measure feasibility by adherence to the recommended exercises in the intervention arm, including any additional reported physical activity throughout each week. In the usual care arm, participants will report any physical therapy exercises completed from the handout, as well as other physical activity/exercise. Adherence will be measured using the modified Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (mSQUASH), a validated tool for capturing physical activity in axSpA. For those in the intervention arm, adherence will also be captured via the built-in tracking features of the ExerciseRx app, providing an additional measure of feasibility. Adherence or engagement with the ExerciseRx app will be measured in three domains: frequency of app use, adherence to recommended exercises, and interaction with behavioral features.
Acceptability of the ExeriseRx app as a platform to complete recommended exercises for axial spondyloarthritis including % of participants with average score above 5 on MAUQ indicating usability
Time frame: Weeks 6 and 12
We will measure acceptability using the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ). Scores range from 1 to 7 with scores above 5 on a 7-point Likert scale considered to show usability.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis by a rheumatologist
- English speaking
- Insufficiently active (less than 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week)
- Willing to wear a Fitbit for the study duration
- Willing to have or create a Google account and download the Google Health app (previously known as the Fitbit app)
Exclusion criteria
- Currently pregnant
- International travel or any circumstance causing lack of access to wi-fi/Internet at any point during the study period
- Recent or planned surgery that may affect ability to engage in physical activity
- Unable to exercise for health reasons, or a provider has recommended against exercising for safety/health reasons
- Unable to walk safely without difficulty, or is a fall risk (i.e., 3+ falls in past 6 months)
- History of a fall resulting in a fracture or head injury in the past 6 months
- Cardiovascular contraindicators for physical activity, or history of cardiovascular problems that may be exacerbated by physical activity, as defined by their rheumatologist
- Diabetes causing hypoglycemia following physical activity
Where
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Arthritis Foundation
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations