RecruitingNot ApplicableObservational

Using everyday devices to measure axial spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a long-term condition that causes painful swelling and stiffness in the spine. Usually, doctors check how well your spine moves using physical tests during hospital visits. Because these appointments can be far apart, researchers want to find easier ways to check movement more regularly. This UK study tests whether everyday technology—specifically an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods—along with video recordings, can capture spine measurements just as well as a clinician. The study takes place during a two-week course at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. Participants wear the devices while doing standard movement exercises. Videos are turned into anonymous digital stick-figures and then deleted to protect privacy. If successful, this research could allow people with axSpA to easily monitor their spine health from home in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

Start

03 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

07 Feb 2027

Axial spondyloarthritis

What is this study about?

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine and lower back. Over time, it causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness, which can make bending and turning difficult. To keep track of the condition, hospital doctors use special movement checks. However, because hospital visits can be months apart, it is hard to know how someone's movement changes from week to week.

Researchers at the University of Bath and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases want to see if everyday technology can help. Smart devices like phones, watches, and wireless earbuds contain tiny built-in sensors that detect movement. This study tests whether these ordinary gadgets can measure spinal flexibility as reliably as a trained healthcare professional.

During the study, participants wear an Apple Watch, AirPods, and an iPhone while doing routine movement tests and a few extra simple exercises. The sessions are also filmed. A computer programme converts the video into an anonymous 3D skeleton to measure joint angles, and the original video recording is then destroyed to keep participant information private.

This research matters because hospital appointments take time and energy. If smart devices prove accurate, people with axSpA might one day be able to track their own spinal movement at home. This could help doctors spot changes sooner, adjust treatments faster, and give patients more control over their own care.

Key takeaways

Tests whether everyday Apple gadgets can accurately measure spine movement in axial spondyloarthritis.
Open to adults attending the residential self-management course at the hospital in Bath.
Involves three short sessions spread over the two-week course.
Videos are turned into anonymous 3D computer models and then destroyed.
Could help patients monitor their spinal stiffness easily from home in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis. To take part, you must be attending the residential self-management course at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. You also need to be able to understand and follow instructions given in English.

You cannot take part if you have had spinal surgery in the past, have severe wear-and-tear in your back, or have had broken bones in your spine. People whose spine is completely fused together (known as total spinal ankylosis) or who have active cancer are also unable to join.

Finally, the researchers want to keep you safe and comfortable. If performing the movement tests would cause you unusual pain, distress, or discomfort beyond what you already experience on your course, this study will not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have a confirmed diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
I am attending the residential course at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases.
I have never had surgery on my spine.
My spine is not completely fused together.
I can comfortably understand and follow instructions in English.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part takes place entirely during your planned two-week stay at the hospital's self-management course. You will be asked to join three short research sessions: on Day 1, Day 5, and Day 10 of the course. During each session, you will wear an Apple Watch, AirPods, and a smartphone while performing your usual course movement tests, along with a few extra simple motions. You will also be video recorded. There are no changes to your normal medications, and no treatments are tested. Once your two-week residential course ends, your involvement in the study is completely finished, with no extra follow-up hospital visits needed.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no direct medical benefit to you from taking part, and your individual results will not alter your care. However, you will be helping to develop tools that could make living with axSpA easier for people in the future. The risks are very low. The movements you do are ordinary and very similar to the ones you practice on the course anyway. As with any back exercise, there is a small chance you might feel mild muscle soreness or stiffness. You are in full control and can pause, rest, or skip any movement at any time. Taking part is completely your choice, and you can withdraw at any point without your NHS care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases
City only
Bath, England

Common questions

Will video recordings of my body be kept or shared?

No. The video is only used to create an anonymous 3D stick-figure skeleton on a computer. Once this digital model is made, the original video recordings are permanently deleted.

Do I need to own or bring an iPhone or Apple Watch?

No. The research team will provide all the necessary devices (the phone, watch, and earbuds) for you to wear during each study session.

Will taking part change my arthritis medication or NHS treatment?

Not at all. This is an observational study of your movement. Your medications, treatments, and regular course schedule will remain completely unchanged.

What happens if a movement causes me pain?

You should stop immediately. You are never expected to push through pain, and you can take a break or skip any test whenever you want.

Does taking part cost anything?

No. The study is completely free to take part in, as it takes place during your scheduled residential course at the hospital.

How to find out more

Gregory Knowles

grk24@bath.ac.uk +44 (0)1225 388388 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.