THU0574 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AND THE IMPACT OF ATTITUDE, BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS.
Authors: J. O. Rasmussen, W. Fick, J. Primdahl, A. Bremander
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2020)

Background: Barriers such as high disease activity, fatigue, pain, stiffness, physical exertion and lack of time all have a negative impact on physical activity level in people with axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), while more time is a facilitator (1, 2). In addition, an intrinsic drive to exercise is an important motivator, guided by personal interest and enjoyment in exercise (1). There is a need for a better understanding of the impact of barriers, facilitators and attitudes on level of physical activity. Objectives: To study the association between self-reported level of physical activity and self-perceived health, attitudes, barriers and facilitators to physical activity in people with axSpA. Methods: In 2018, members with axSpA from the Danish Patient Association for Spondyloarthritis were invited to participate in an on-line survey. The questionnaire included diagnosis, socio-demographics, self-perceived health (poor, fair or good), level of physical activity (≤ 1 day/week, 2-3 days/week or 4-7 days/week) overall attitude (I do not care and I do not know, it’s ok or I like physical activity), barriers and facilitators toward physical activity (range 8-56, low to high disagreement). A logistic regression analysis was applied to study associations between level of physical activity (dependent variable) and attitudes, barriers, facilitators and self-perceived health (independent variables). Results: 445/972 members (46%) completed the questionnaire. Median age was 56 years (range 22-85), 241 (54%) were men. 23% were physically active for at least 30 minutes on a moderate intensity level ≤ 1 day/week, 36% 2-3 days/week and 41% 4-7 days/week. Responders who were physically active ≥ 2 days/week had more positive attitudes to physical activity (p&lt; 0.001), disagreed more often to suggested barriers (p&lt;0.001), and had better self-perceived health (p&lt;0.003) compared with those who reported a low physical activity level (≤ 1 day/week). In the regression analysis, positive attitudes (OR 14.21, 95%CI 3.34 - 60.53) and a higher disagreement with barriers for physical activity (OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.07 - 1.17) were associated with high level of physical activity. Conclusion: The overall attitude and experienced barriers towards physical activity have a strong impact on the level of physical activity in people with axSpA. To support lifestyle changes, health professionals need to discuss the impact of barriers and attitudes to physical activity with their clients. References: [1]Brophy S et al (2013). The effect of physical activity and motivation on function in ankylosing spondylitis: A cohort study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 42: 619–626. [2]Fongen C et al. (2015). Barriers and Facilitators for Being Physically Active in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study. Musc. Care 13: 76–83. Figure 1. Percentage agreement with barriers and facilitators for physical activity. PA: Physical activity, PT: Physiotherapist Disclosure of Interests: Jens Ole Rasmussen: None declared, Willy Fick: None declared, Jette Primdahl Speakers bureau: BMS and Pfizer, Ann Bremander: None declared