P103 A survey of exercise preferences amongst a cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Owusu-Agyei Amanda , Verdiyeva Ayna , Norris Sarah , Morris Emily , Hennessy Karen , Chan Marian 
Published: April 2020

Background

Dry exercise and hydrotherapy are well-recognised components of axial spondyloarthritis management. The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) provides advice on appropriate exercise and available venues. This study aimed to determine the most popular type of exercise among spondyloarthritis patients under the care of the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, which serves an ethnically diverse population.

Methods

A survey was sent to 124 patients with axial and/or peripheral spondyloarthritis, asking preferences regarding dry and wet exercise (hydrotherapy), and whether they were aware of NASS. Answers were aggregated and analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results

56/124 patients responded to the survey, corresponding to a response rate of 45%. 30 (54%) were male and 26 (46%) were female. The mean age of respondents was 50 years, with 31/56 patients (55%) aged under 50. Represented ethnic groups included White British (36 patients), White Other (4), White Irish (3), Pakistani (4), Bangladeshi (3), Black Caribbean (3), Indian (2) and Asian (1). 43 (77%) patients were Caucasian (White British, Other and Irish), and 13 (23%) were non-Caucasian. Regarding survey non-respondents, 45/68 (66%) were Caucasian and 23/68 (34%) were non-Caucasian. A larger proportion of non-Caucasians did not respond to the survey. 23/36 (64%) non-Caucasians did not respond compared to 45/88 (51%) Caucasians. 42 patients (75%) preferred both dry exercise and hydrotherapy; 11 (20%) preferred dry exercise only and 3 (5%) preferred hydrotherapy only. 26 patients (46%) were aware of NASS. 30 (54%) were not aware of NASS. More females than males preferred both types of exercise or hydrotherapy only (25 females vs. 17 males: 3 females vs. no males respectively). More males preferred dry exercise only (9 males vs. 2 females). 14 females were aware of NASS compared to 12 males. Analysis of ethnic groups showed that similar proportions of Caucasians and non-Caucasians were aware of NASS (20/43 (47%) Caucasians vs. 6/13 (46%) non-Caucasians). A larger proportion of Caucasians preferred both types of exercise (33/43 (77%) Caucasians vs. 9/13 (69%) non-Caucasians). A larger proportion of non-Caucasians preferred dry exercise only (8/13 (62%) non-Caucasians vs. 3/43 (7%) Caucasians.

Conclusion

Most patients in Luton prefer both dry exercise and hydrotherapy, of which a larger proportion are Caucasian. A larger number of females prefer both types of exercise or hydrotherapy alone compared to males. Non-Caucasian patients prefer dry exercise. Most patients are not aware of NASS. In response to this survey and the service development needs of this group of patients, dedicated Tai Chi exercise classes, with integrated education on NASS, were implemented. Given the overall preference for both dry exercise and hydrotherapy, information gleaned from this survey will prove helpful to commissioners, for consideration of funding for hydrotherapy which is not currently available in Luton.

Disclosures

A. Owusu-Agyei None. A. Verdiyeva None. S. Norris None. E. Morris None. K. Hennessy None. M. Chan None.