Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Spondyloarthropathy Patients

Abstract

Background: Spondyloarthropathy (SpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the skeleton and entheses, severely impacting patients' quality of life (QoL). Lifestyle modifications may improve disease activity and QoL. Objective: To evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications, including exercise, diet, smoking cessation, and stress management, on disease activity and QoL in SpA patients. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, from January 2023 to June 2024. A total of 122 patients diagnosed with SpA were enrolled. Participants underwent a structured lifestyle modification program for 6 months, which included physical exercises, dietary adjustments, smoking cessation guidance, and stress management interventions. Disease activity was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and QoL was assessed using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire. Scoring scales and standard statistical methods, including paired t-tests, were used for analysis. Results: After 6 months of lifestyle modifications, disease activity significantly decreased, with a mean BASDAI score reduction from 5.2 ± 1.1 to 3.4 ± 0.9 (p < 0.01). QoL improved, as reflected in the ASQoL score, which decreased from 14.6 ± 4.2 to 9.2 ± 3.1 (p < 0.05). Exercise adherence showed a 78% positive correlation with improved disease activity (p < 0.05), and dietary adjustments contributed to a 66% reduction in inflammatory markers. Standard deviation of BASDAI was 0.84, and ASQoL was 2.6, indicating robust improvements. The p-value for both outcomes was statistically significant. Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications significantly reduce disease activity and improve QoL in SpA patients. These interventions should be integrated into the management of SpA.