Why carry out this study?

Among non-pharmacological treatments for the various symptoms associated with SpA, shiatsu is increasingly used and available.

Fatigue and back pain are among the most common and disabling symptoms for patients living with SpA. Targeted therapies mostly focus on treating inflammation-mediated symptoms. Conversely, shiatsu can address multiple symptoms including pain but also fatigue and sleep disturbance.

We therefore considered that it was a relevant task to evaluate its efficacy on fatigue in a SpA population. The present study is the first randomized study evaluating shiatsu treatment in order to reduce the fatigue associated with SpA.