Interoception and physical activity engagement amongst people with axial spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis

Introduction

Patients with inflammatory arthritis, including axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), are more prone to physical inactivity than the general population. One-third to one-half of axSpA patients do not meet the recommended level of physical activity [Liu, Arthritis Rheum. 2020]. In AxSpA, increased physical activity leads to improved physical function and reduced fatigue and disease-related activity [Regnaux, Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; Ortolan, Ann Rheum Dis 2023]. Thus, physical activity is a key component of clinical practice guidelines for the management of axSpA patients [Ramiro, Ann Rheum Dis 2022]. Understanding the relationship between interoception awareness and levels of physical activity in patients with axSpA could offer an insight on the use of further interception interventions (i.e., mind-body interventions) to increase engagement with physical activity.