SPARC

Research

The Bath Spondyloarthritis (SpA) Biobank

The Bath Spondyloarthritis (SpA) Biobank is a computer database to store routine clinical information for consenting patients with axSpA, to develop understanding of the long-term condition through research. We hope this information will help identify whether there are any factors (genetic, clinical or biological) that influence why some patients may develop more severe disease than others, and to study patient outcomes following different treatments. Information such as clinical assessments, questionnaires and biomarkers (using blood samples) will all be stored within the biobank to investigate methods to improve diagnosis, assess disease severity and responses to treatment.

The Sir Halley Stewart Trust Project

In this project, supported by The Sir Halley Stewart Trust, we aim to explore and understand the existing evidence base for digital interventions to support people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases such as axSpA in their self-management. Two complementary literature reviews are being conducted. Furthermore, exploratory data has been collected at multiple time-points in routine care to investigate whether use of a specific digital intervention, a smartphone app (Project Nightingale), influences disease outcomes, self-efficacy, motivation for exercise or adherence to medication in those living with axSpA who attend a virtual rehabilitation programme or commence biologics medication at the RUH.

Examination of spinal joint forces in ankylosing spondylitis and their correlation to radiographic disease progression

In people living with axSpA, it is believed that areas of the spine that experience the highest stress are at risk of accelerated disease progression. Therefore, identification of specific locations that experience the greatest stress may facilitate treatment targeted at slowing down disease progression. Current disease measures lack the accuracy to target individual joints of the spine. In this study, we will explore the relationship between spinal joint stress and accelerated disease progression (increased bone growth) in patients living with axSpA. Using 3D ultrasound, we will create patient specific virtual spinal models with joint angles, vertebral orientations and muscle parameters unique to the patient. These models will be paired with patients’ movements and muscles activations to estimate individual vertebral joint forces as well as quantify the contribution of spinal muscles to movement. These spinal forces will be compared to spinal X-ray images and mSASSS results performed as part of routine clinical treatment every five years.

Physiotherapy in Axial Spondyloarthritis – PaxSpA study

The objectives of the PaxSpA Study include identifying optimal non-pharmacological therapy approaches for different stages of axial spondyloarthritis and assessing the effectiveness of treatments on disease activity and other outcome measures i.e. therapeutic responses to spinal mobility and functional ability; which ultimately aim to improve the care and management of axSpA patients by informing clinical practice for non-pharmacological treatment and management.

Project Nightingale

The Project Nightingale study was developed in order to empower axSpA patients to take control of their symptoms through self-management and monitoring using the uMotif app. The app collected data in real-time on symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep, stress and recommended exercise (displayed as petals – whereby you rate symptoms daily on a 5-point scale). This data is being analysed for research such as prediction of pain flares. If integrated into clinical practice, we hope the information collected may eventually lead to optimisation and personalisation of axSpA management.

Prognostic markers in axial spondyloarthritis (PROMISE)

PROMISE was a cross sectional evaluation of serum biomarkers in axspa, mechanical back pain and healthy controls. Researchers investigated the potential role of serum biomarkers in axSpA patients for diagnosis, disease prognosis, and monitoring of treatment effects. Detailed objectives and results can be found here.

Can Outcome Measures Predict Axial Spondyloarthritis Severity (COMPASS)

COMPASS was comprised of two main projects between the RNHRD and UoB: one investigating understanding of remission in axSpA and another exploring the impact of the 2-week AS rehabilitative course at the RNHRD on natural progression of disease.

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