Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Ankylosing Spondylitis

ConditionsAnklyosing SpondylitisTelerehabilitation
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age16-65
SponsorInonu University

About this trial

Purpose of the study:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic disease that affects the spine and joints, causing pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Exercise is known to help reduce pain and improve function in individuals with AS. However, the most effective type and method of exercise are not fully known. This study aims to compare the effects of different telerehabilitation methods-synchronous (live video) and asynchronous (pre-recorded video)-on disease activity, physical function, mobility, fatigue, quality of life, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and pain levels in individuals with AS.

Study design and methods:

This is a randomized controlled experimental study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Synchronous telerehabilitation: Exercise sessions via live video, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Asynchronous telerehabilitation: Exercise sessions via pre-recorded videos, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Control group: Exercise instructions provided in a brochure.

All groups will perform exercises for approximately 40-50 minutes per session, focusing on flexibility, strength, posture, balance, coordination, and functional movements. Participants will be evaluated before the intervention (week 0) and after 8 weeks for disease activity, physical function, mobility, fatigue, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and pain during rest, movement, and sleep.

Participants:

The study will include adults aged 18-65 years diagnosed with AS at least one year prior, able to use a smartphone, and willing to participate. Individuals who are pregnant, have serious comorbidities, recent surgery, or conditions affecting mobility will be excluded.

Expected benefits:

The study will identify which telerehabilitation method is more effective for individuals with AS. telerehabilitation may provide easier access to treatment, improve adherence to exercise programs, and contribute to better disease management and quality of life.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Being between the ages of 18-65

Having been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis by a specialist at least one year ago,

Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily,

Owning and being able to use a smartphone,

Disqualifiers

Having a history of pregnancy, malignancy, or recent surgery (within the last six months)

Having a history of hypertension and diabetes that cannot be controlled with medication

Having a history of exacerbations in the last three weeks and having received treatment for exacerbations

Having instable medical treatment within the last three months

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Synchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise Program

    Behavioral

    Participants receive supervised synchronous telerehabilitation via video calls (WhatsApp) three times per week for 8 weeks. Each session lasts 40-50 minutes and includes mobility and exercise training under live supervision.

  • Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise Program

    Behavioral

    Participants receive asynchronous telerehabilitation with exercise videos sent every 2 weeks via WhatsApp. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Feedback is provided by message or phone call, and participants keep an exercise diary for adherence tracking.

  • Brochure Program

    Behavioral

    Participants receive a printed exercise brochure containing the same program as the intervention groups, updated every 2 weeks. They are asked to perform the exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks and keep an exercise diary for adherence tracking.

Treatment groups

66 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups
Group A: Synchronous Telerehabilitation GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Asynchronous Telerehabilitation GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group C: Control GroupActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Change in cervical rotation (degrees) from baseline to 8 weeks

Cervical rotation is measured in degrees using a goniometer to assess mobility in individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The mean value of left and right cervical rotation measurements for each participant will be recorded at baseline and at 8 weeks, and the change from baseline to 8 weeks will be reported.

Time frame
8 weeks
2

Change from baseline in Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK)

Change from baseline in Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) after 8 weeks. TSK is scored from 17 to 68, with higher scores indicating greater fear of movement/kinesiophobia.

Time frame
8 weeks
3

Change from baseline in Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL)

Change from baseline in Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) scale after 8 weeks. ASQoL is scored from 0 to 18, with higher scores indicating worse quality of life.

Time frame
8 weeks
4

Change from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI)

BASFI is a validated questionnaire assessing functional ability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. It consists of 10 items scored on a 0-10 scale. The mean of the 10 items will be used to calculate a total BASFI score (range 0-10), with higher scores indicating greater functional limitation.

Time frame
8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Inonu University

Lead sponsor

Firat University

Collaborator

Source ClinicalTrials.gov
Apply now