Exploring Exercise Perceptions and Physical Activity Levels in Radiographic and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Comparative Study

Aim: This study aims to compare physical activity (PA) levels and exercise-related perceptions, including barriers and facilitators, between radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) patients, and to explore the relationships between PA, exercise perceptions and clinical parameters in axSpA patients. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 123 axSpA patients, comprising 83 r-axSpA and 40 nr-axSpA. Clinical parameters, including disease activity, pain, spinal mobility, enthesopathy, physical function, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life, fibromyalgia symptoms, kinesiophobia, and mental health, were assessed. PA levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, while exercise perception was evaluated using the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. Multivariable regressions examined the relationships between PA, exercise perception, and clinical variables. Results: Physical activity levels were comparable between subgroups (p = 0.654), but r-axSpA patients reported significantly higher exercise barriers (p = 0.023). In the r-axSpA group, the most commonly endorsed benefit was “Exercise improves my flexibility” (94%), while in the nr-axSpA group, it was “Exercise increases my physical fitness” (95%). In both groups, the most common barrier was “Exercise tires me”. Higher PA was linked to improved physical function and reduced kinesiophobia in nr-axSpA, and lower anxiety in r-axSpA (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that PA level was related to symptom duration and enthesopathy, while exercise benefits were associated with health status, depression, physical function, and barriers with fatigue in axSpA patients. Conclusion: Tailored interventions are essential to promote exercise participation in axSpA patients by addressing subgroup-specific barriers and clinical factors.