A Latent Class Analysis of Physical Activity of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Based on Health Promotion Model: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Physical activity helps to prevent deformities and to complete training programs, and is therefore benefit to improve the rehabilitation and prognosis of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This study aims to identify potential factors affecting the physical activity of patients with AS to provide insights for the clinical strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional primary data analysis was performed. Exploratory latent category analysis (LCA) was used to identify subgroups of physical activity of AS patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of physical activity. Results: Two potential subgroups (high physical activity-no sedentary and low physical activity-sedentary) were identified. Patients with higher education were more sedentary and less active, and was more likely accompanied with lower level of physical activity. The higher the ankylosing spondylitis functional index, the lower level of physical activity. High education degree and high disease function index were risk factors for low physical activity. Conclusions: Avoiding sedentary behavior and controlling the disease function index are of clinical implication to improve the physical activity of AS patients and to subsequently the recovery of the disease.