Taekwondo training for adults with axial spondyloarthritis
Efficacy and Safety of a 12-Week Taekwondo Training Program in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if a 12-week Taekwondo training program can help adults with axial spondyloarthritis feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wonju Severance Christian Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wŏnju, Gangwon-do) |
| Trial ID | NCT06823726 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effects of a 12-week Taekwondo training program on adults diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Taekwondo training group or a control group that maintains usual activities for the first 12 weeks. The study aims to assess the impact of Taekwondo on disease activity, functional improvement, and quality of life, as well as the safety of this exercise regimen. After the initial phase, the control group will also participate in the Taekwondo training for comparison purposes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 to 59 with a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis who have stable treatment regimens.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced ankylosis or significant cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel exercise intervention that improves quality of life and functional outcomes for patients with axial spondyloarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on Taekwondo for this condition, similar exercise interventions have shown positive outcomes in managing musculoskeletal disorders.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) according to the ASAS classification criteria. 2. Age: Between 19 and 59 years old. 3. Stable medication or non-medication treatment: * Patients whose medication regimen has remained stable for at least the past 3 months. * Patients who have not taken medication for axSpA for at least the past 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they meet any of the following conditions: 1. History of orthopedic surgery or fractures within the past 12 months. 2. History of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or stroke. 3. Advanced ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis, as confirmed by radiographic or CT imaging: \- Complete ankylosis of at least two regions of the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic spine (i.e., continuous syndesmophyte formation or complete ossification between vertebral bodies). 4. Presence of other musculoskeletal abnormalities or conditions that may limit exercise performance. 5. Diagnosis of cancer within the past 5 years 6. Pregnancy 7. Regular exercise participation within the past 6 months (defined as exercising for at least 60 minutes per session, three or more times per week). 8. Major changes in medication for axial spondyloarthritis during the study period, including: 1. Initiation or discontinuation of biologic agents or targeted therapies. 2. Significant changes in the continued use of NSAIDs or sulfasalazine. 3. Significant changes in the continued use of systemic glucocorticoids.
Where this trial is running
Wŏnju, Gangwon-do
- Wonju Severance Christian Hospital — Wŏnju, Gangwon-do, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Seoung Wan Nam, M.D., Ph.D. — Wonju Severance Christian Hospital
- Study coordinator: Seoung Wan Nam, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: dahsome@gmail.com
- Phone: 82-33-741-1258
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.