Digital exercise program for patients with spondyloarthritis

The SPARK Trial: a Digital Exercise Intervention in Patients With Spondyloarthritis

NA · Diakonhjemmet Hospital · NCT06462937

This study is testing a digital exercise program to see if it helps people with axial spondyloarthritis feel better compared to regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment260 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDiakonhjemmet Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT06462937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates a 6-month randomized controlled exercise intervention for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Participants will be assigned to either a digital exercise program delivered via the SPARK application, which includes high intensity interval training and personalized remote follow-up, or to usual care. The primary goal is to assess the impact of this tailored exercise program on disease activity, measured by the ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), at the 3-month mark. The program aims to empower patients through knowledge videos and structured exercise sessions to improve their overall health and well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a recent diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis and active disease who have not previously used biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

Not a fit: Patients with active iridocyclitis, high C-reactive protein levels, or contraindications to high intensity exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce disease activity in patients with spondyloarthritis, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with digital exercise interventions for chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* axSpA diagnosis within the last two years by a rheumatologist according to the ASAS criteria of 2009
* active disease (ASDAS \> 1.3)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active uveitis.
* CRP \> 30.
* Former or current use of bDMARDs.
* Pregnancy or planned pregnancy within 6 months from inclusion.
* Absolute and relative contradictions to high intensity exercise according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
* Other serious disease such as cancer.
* Patients incapable to follow the protocol or the control set-up with remote monitoring.

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spondyloarthritis, Exercise, Remote, Digital, High intensity interval training

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.