Abstract
Objectives
Physiotherapy is recommended in the management of people with axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), with new insights into its preferred content and dosage evolving. This study aimed to describe the use and preferences regarding individual and group physiotherapy among people with axSpA.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among people with axSpA living in the Netherlands (NL) and Switzerland (CH).
Results
713 people with axSpA participated (56.7% male, median age 55 years, median ASAS-Hi-score 4.2). Response rates were 45% (n = 206) in NL and 29% in CH (n = 507). 83.3% of participants were or had been using physiotherapy. Individual therapy only was or had been used by 36.7%, a combination of individual plus land- and water-based group therapy was or had been used by 29.1% and group therapy only by 5.3%. Only less than half participants attending individual therapy reported active therapy (like aerobic, muscle strength, flexibility exercises). Although the majority (75.9%) was not aware of the increased cardiovascular risk, participants showed an interest in cardiovascular training, either individually or in a supervised setting. If supervised, a majority, in CH (75.0%) more than in NL (55.7%), prefers supervision by a specialized physiotherapist.
Conclusion
The majority of people with axSpA uses or used physiotherapy, more often in an individual than in a group setting. The content of individual therapy should be more active; in both therapy settings aerobic exercises should be promoted. Especially, enabling people with axSpA to perform exercises independently would meet their needs and might enhance their daily physical activity.
Psychoeducation as a strategy to improve family support perceived from patient with alcohol dependence and personality disorder
