Muscle dysfunction in axial spondylarthritis: the MyoSpA study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton.
• Understanding the impact of axSpA on muscle health is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare muscle physical properties, strength, mass, physical performance, and sarcopenia prevalence in axSpA patients versus healthy controls (HC).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 27 axSpA patients and 27 matched HC.
• Assessment of muscle stiffness, tone, elasticity, strength (5-times sit-to-stand test), mass, gait speed, and sarcopenia.
• Linear regression models were used for adjusted analyses.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in segmental muscle stiffness, tone, or elasticity between axSpA patients and HC.
• axSpA patients exhibited lower total, upper limb, and lower limb strength, and reduced gait speed compared to HC.
• No participants in either group met the criteria for sarcopenia.

Conclusions:

• Young axSpA patients with short disease duration have normal muscle physical properties and mass but reduced strength and physical performance.
• The findings suggest potential muscle dysfunction in axSpA, independent of sarcopenia.
• Gait characteristics may serve as a valuable biomarker in axSpA.