Primary outcomes. Effect of high intensity exercises on disease activity. Values are shown as mean with SD unless stated otherwise
| Exercise group (n=48) | Control group (n=49) | Estimated mean group difference (95% CI)* | P values | |||
| Baseline | 3 months | Baseline | 3 months | |||
| Primary outcome | ||||||
| Disease activity score ASDAS | 2.6 (0.8) | 1.9 (0.7) | 2.7 (0.6) | 2.6 (0.7) | −0.6 (−0.8 to 0.3) | <0.001 |
| Disease activity score BASDAI † | 4.9 (1.6) | 3.3 (1.6) | 5.3 (1.5) | 4.8 (1.5) | −1.2 (−1.8 to 0.7) | <0.001 |
| Sub-scores of primary outcomes | ||||||
| Patient global disease activity† | 4.7 (2.0) | 2.9 (2.3) | 5.3 (2.0) | 4.9 (2.1) | −1.6 (−2.4 to 0.7) | <0.001 |
| BASDAI-neck/back/hip pain † | 5.7 (1.9) | 3.8 (2.1) | 6.1 (1.6) | 5.6 (2.0) | −1.7 (−2.4 to 0.9) | <0.001 |
| BASDAI-peripheral pain † | 3.8 (2.3) | 2.7 (2.0) | 4.5 (2.5) | 4.1 (2.6) | −1.0 (−1.9 to 0.2) | 0.016 |
| BASDAI-morning stiffness † | 5.3 (2.1) | 3.4 (1.9) | 5.8 (1.8) | 5.4 (2.1) | −1.7 (−2.4 to 1.0) | <0.001 |
| BASDAI-duration morning stiffness † | 4.3 (2.5) | 3.0 (2.4) | 4.9 (2.5) | 4.6 (2.7) | −1.2 (−1.9 to 0.4) | 0.003 |
| BASDAI-fatigue † | 5.8 (1.8) | 3.8 (2.1) | 6.1 (1.9) | 5.4 (1.9) | −1.4 (−2.2 to 0.6) | <0.001 |
| BASDAI-tenderness*† | 4.4 (2.3) | 3.1 (2.3) | 4.7 (2.7) | 4.1 (2.6) | −0.8 (−1.6 to 0.03) | 0.059 |
| Inflammatory marker | ||||||
| CRP (mg/L), median (range) | 2 (1, 28) | 2 (1, 29) | 1 (1, 13) | 2 (1, 14) | 0.041‡ | |
*Analysed with Mann-Whitney U test.
†Measured with numeric rating scale (0–10, 10=worst).
‡Estimated mean group difference, analysed with analysis of covariance with adjustments for baseline values and study centre.
ASDAS, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (higher score=worst); BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index; CRP, C reactive protein.