AB0508 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN TUNISIAN ADULTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with multiple health-related benefits among the general population and adults with chronic diseases like Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) [1]. As known, AS affects primarily enthesis and can lead to loss of function and decreased mobility. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the PA levels of adults with AS and to examine associations between PA, sociodemographic characteristics, immunological features, disease activity and treatment type. Methods: Cross-sectional clinical and laboratory data were collected on 68 AS patients. BASDAI (Bath ankylosing spondylarthritis disease activity index) and BASFI (Bath ankylosing spondylarthritis functional index) were calculated. Physical activity was measured using IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form). Its items record the time spent on physical activity of three intensity levels (vigorous, moderate and walking) as well as the time spent on sitting (referred to as sedentary in this study) in the past week. Both continuous (expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min /week) and categorical (3 levels proposed: low, moderate and high level of PA) scores of IPAQ-SF were determined. Sedentary time (median) was reported in minutes/week. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Cross-sectional clinical and laboratory data were collected on 68 AS patients. BASDAI (Bath ankylosing spondylarthritis disease activity index) and BASFI (Bath ankylosing spondylarthritis functional index) were calculated. Physical activity was measured using IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form). Its items record the time spent on physical activity of three intensity levels (vigorous, moderate and walking) as well as the time spent on sitting (referred to as sedentary in this study) in the past week. Both continuous (expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min /week) and categorical (3 levels proposed: low, moderate and high level of PA) scores of IPAQ-SF were determined. Sedentary time (median) was reported in minutes/week. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Conclusion: Our study proved that physical activity in people with AS decreased with age and activity disease with a concomitant increase in sedentary activity. Given the risks of developing secondary chronic disease as a result of low levels of physical activity, physical exercise should be recommended as part of comprehensive AS care. References: [1]Conigliaro P, Triggianese P, Ippolito F, Lucchetti R, Chimenti MS, Perricone R. Insights on the Role of Physical Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Drug Dev Res. 2014;75:S54–6. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.