# Evaluating the Impact of High Intensity Interval Training on Axial Psoriatic Arthritis Based on MR Images

PMID: 35741229
Journal: Diagnostics
Published: 2022 Jun 8
Authors: Chronaiou I, Giskeødegård GF, Neubert A, Hoffmann-Skjøstad TV, Thomsen RS, Hoff M, Bathen TF, Sitter B

## Question

Does an 11-week HIIT intervention alter MRI markers of axial inflammation in people with psoriatic arthritis?

## Summary

In adults with psoriatic arthritis, an 11-week HIIT program did not significantly change spine bone marrow edema on MRI compared with a no-change control group. Clinical scores improved in some measures and MRI findings did not indicate worsening axial inflammation, but the exact HIIT interval prescription was not fully described in this article.

## Population

- Adults with psoriatic arthritis fulfilling CASPAR criteria; MRI analysis included 37 participants with complete scans.
- Sample size: 39
- Age: Median age 52 years in HIIT and 45 years in control
- Sex: Mixed sex
- Fitness level: Clinical population; baseline fitness not central to analysis
- Health status: Adults with psoriatic arthritis fulfilling CASPAR criteria

## Methodology

- Randomized controlled trial MRI analysis
- 11 weeks
- St. Olavs hospital and NTNU research setting in Norway
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- HIIT for psoriatic arthritis.
- Modality: Stationary bicycling plus one self-guided weekly HIIT session.
- Intensity: Described as high-intensity interval training; exact interval intensity was not reported in this article.
- Frequency: 3 sessions per week, including 2 supervised stationary bicycling sessions and 1 self-guided session.
- Program length: 11 weeks.
- No-change control.
- Modality: Usual exercise habits.
- Program length: 11 weeks.
- Progression: Participants were instructed to make no changes from pre-study exercise habits.

## Outcomes

### Main reported result
Status: no clear change
Bone marrow edema by radiologist did not significantly change after HIIT compared with control.

### Main reported result
Status: no clear change
Radiologist-assessed BME was unchanged in 17 of 17 HIIT participants and 17 of 20 controls.

### Main reported result
Status: no clear change
SPARCC score changes also did not differ between groups.

### Main reported result
Status: mixed
BASDAI decreased in the HIIT group and DAS44 decreased in both groups.

### Main reported result
Status: no clear change
Texture features distinguished BME from healthy voxels but did not show HIIT-related change.

## Practical Insights

- This study supports that supervised HIIT did not worsen MRI-detected axial inflammation in this small psoriatic arthritis sample.
- The article is not sufficient to reproduce the exact HIIT prescription without the cited parent trial papers.

## Limitations

- Low disease burden and few participants with manifested spinal psoriatic arthritis.
- Small MRI-analysis sample.
- Ten MRI series were excluded because of protocol deviations.
- The exact HIIT interval prescription was not reported in this article.

## Safety And Adherence

- No worsening of MRI bone marrow edema was observed after HIIT, but adverse events were not otherwise detailed in this article.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35741229/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12061420) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9222014/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.