Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Tailored Exercise Interventions for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Targeting Sex-Based Challenges to Improve Clinical Outcomes

Award Number: K23AR086325
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Tailored Exercise Interventions for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Targeting Sex-Based Challenges to Improve Clinical Outcomes - Project Abstract: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that disproportionately impacts females, who experience worse disease outcomes than males despite comprising half of the affected population. These worse outcomes include higher disease activity, reduced physical function, and lower adherence to medical therapies. The long-term goal of this work is to improve clinical outcomes for both females and males with axSpA by developing a tailored, effective exercise intervention, as exercise is a cornerstone of management. The specific aims of this project are to: 1) quantify the dose of physical activity that predicts clinically significant improvement in disease activity or function in axSpA, and determine whether this differs by sex, using longitudinal data from two established axSpA cohorts; 2) understand the barriers and facilitators to regular physical activity and exercise by sex through qualitative interviews with individuals with axSpA; and 3) assess the feasibility and acceptability of prescribing personalized physical therapy exercises using the ExerciseRx mobile app in a pilot randomized controlled trial among patients with axSpA by sex. The candidate’s K23 award will provide critical training in longitudinal analysis, qualitative research methods, and clinical trial management. The candidate’s long-term goal is to become an independent clinical investigator in rheumatology focused on improving outcomes for females with axSpA. Aim 1 will identify the dose of exercise needed to improve disease activity and function by sex, while Aim 2 will clarify the specific needs of individuals with axSpA for an exercise intervention. Aim 3’s pilot trial will be conducted concurrently with Aim 2, allowing iterative revisions based on participant feedback. The ultimate goal is to create an exercise program that is feasible, acceptable, and effective - and that can be integrated into clinical care as the standard of care. The candidate will benefit from the rich research environment at the University of Washington, which offers strong infrastructure in clinical research and access to world-class mentors and advisors, including experts in epidemiology, qualitative research, and clinical trials. This project directly aligns with the mission of the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, as it aims to improve health outcomes for females with a chronic rheumatic disease. The research has the potential to address significant sex-based health differences in axSpA and improve long-term quality of life for these individuals. It will also lay the groundwork for future, larger studies aimed at optimizing exercise interventions, including sex-specific tailoring if warranted.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $169,668 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON	4333 BROOKLYN AVE NE	SEATTLE	WA	98195	KING	USA	Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$169,668
														Subtotal = $169,668

Grand Total All Awards = $169,668

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Tailored Exercise Interventions for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Targeting Sex-Based Challenges to Improve Clinical Outcomes

Award Number: K23AR086325

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS & MUSCULOSKELETAL & SKIN DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer