Empowering Women with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Dr. Rachael Stovall Awarded SAA Research Grant for Innovative Exercise Program
As part of the Spondyloarthritis Association of America’s ongoing mission to expand horizons in spondyloarthritis research, the SAA hopes to encourage new, upcoming rheumatologists and researchers to focus on the future of treatment and research in ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. The SAA created the Spondylitis Association of America/Bruckel Early Career Investigator Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the care and understanding of patients with spondyloarthritis. The winner of this award is granted $30,000 from the SAA to put towards spondyloarthritis research.
Dr. Rachael Stovall, MD, MAS, an acting assistant professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Washington, was named the 2024 recipient of the award. Dr. Stovall’s research focuses on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
“Females with axial spondyloarthritis can experience more severe symptoms and worse long-term outcomes compared to males. Research also shows that they don’t respond as well to the standard medications used to treat the condition,” Dr. Stovall said. “Since physical therapy and exercise are key parts of managing the disease—but many patients find it difficult to stay active—I’m excited to develop an exercise program designed specifically for females with axial spondyloarthritis to help improve their health and quality of life.”
With the funding from SAA, she is leading an exercise intervention study designed specifically for female axSpA patients using The Sports Institute’s digital health platform, ExerciseRx. The funding will support in-lab testing of these exercises.
“I am excited that the exercises from this app are built into routine medical care, personalized for each patient, and can be adjusted over time to meet their changing needs. I hope that ExerciseRx will make it easier for females with axial spondyloarthritis to stay active by offering exercises that can be done anytime, anywhere,” Dr. Stovall said. “Many patients struggle to attend physical therapy appointments due to work, childcare, and other responsibilities. By providing a more flexible approach, ExerciseRx can help set them up for success, making it more likely that they can stick with the exercises they need to manage their condition.”
Click here to learn more about the SAA and Dr. Stovall’s award.