Silje Halvorsen Sveaas

• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Brandtzæg, Marthe; Smedslund, Geir; Rognlien, Marte Ørbæk & Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline (2026). Effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 8. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1708741. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Although the positive effect of exercise on mental health is well known, its application in the treatment of mental health challenges among students has been limited and lacks systematic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on mental health among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in six databases (Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, and Scopus) up to 8 April 2025. The search strategy included terms for the population (university students), intervention (exercise), and outcomes (mental health). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies with a control group investigating the effect of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on mental health outcomes among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. Data were pooled in random-effects models, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CI were calculated (SMDs: 0.2–0.4 = small, 0.5–0.7 = medium, and ≥0.8 = large effect sizes). Certainty of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Of 6,173 records screened, 11 RCTs and four quasi-experimental trials were included, comprising a total of 659 students. There was low-certainty evidence for large effects of exercise on symptoms of depression [SMD=−1.05 (−1.49, −0.60), p  < 0.001] and anxiety [SMD=−0.78 (−1.25, −0.31), p  < 0.01]. There was very low-certainty evidence for the effect of exercise on anxiety sensitivity. Conclusion The results suggest medium to large effects of cardiorespiratory and muscular strength exercise on symptoms of depression and anxiety among students in higher education facing mental health challenges. These forms of exercise may be considered as potential treatment modalities for mental health challenges within the student health services.

• Nellemann, Birgitte; Fongen, Birgit Camilla; Dagfinrud, Hanne Solveig; Berg, Inger Jorid; Kristianslund, Eirik & Sexton, Joseph [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2026). Remote personalised exercise in axial spondyloarthritis: the SPARK trial – protocol for a 6-month randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 16(3). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-112420. Full text in Research Archive
• Feldhaus, Chiara; Vedøy, Ingeborg Barth; Kleppang, Annette Løvheim; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline & Litleskare, Sigbjørn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). The aftermath of the pandemic: how the COVID-19 pandemic affected physical activity, fitness, health, and body fat in first-year students in Norway. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 7. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1719951. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 included restricting physical activity (PA). Here we described the impact of pandemic restrictions and reduction in PA on physical fitness and health and body composition amongst first-year students, and the associations to body fat and total PA at the end of their first year. “ On your own feet” is a longitudinal study exploring changes in lifestyle habits amongst first-year students. Questionnaires for assessment of perceived restriction, PA behaviour and fitness and health were administered at the start and end of the first year at university. Body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) and total PA (Actigraph®) were recorded at both time-points. In multivariable models we identified factors associated to body fat and total PA. We included 150 students aged 18-22 years, 53% of whom reported restrictions and 34% a reduction in PA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students reporting restrictions had comparable fitness, health, body composition and PA level at baseline and follow-up, compared to those without restrictions. Students with reduced PA less often reported “good” fitness (30% vs. 56%, p  < 0.001) and health (54% vs. 70%, p  = 0.046) and had higher mean body fat percentage (27% vs. 23%, p  = 0.009) and lower total PA (314 vs. 420 cpm, p  < 0.001) at baseline, compared to those without reduction in PA. At follow-up, they less often reported “good” physical fitness (26% vs. 54%, p  = 0.005), while body composition and total PA were comparable. We concluded that students who report pandemic reduction in PA may need targeted interventions to improve fitness.

• Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Haugjord, Kenneth; Beckmann, Kristin Flottorp; Haugland, Vilde & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2025). Drop-in Livsmestring: en kvalitativ studie av brukeres og ansattes erfaringer. Tidsskrift for Norsk psykologforening (Psykologtidsskriftet). ISSN 0332-6470. doi: 10.52734/imdc9544. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Formål: Å undersøke erfaringer til ansatte og brukere med det kommunale lavterskeltilbudet Drop-in Livsmestring. Tilbudet består av enkeltmøter der det fokuseres på å gi sammensatt hjelp. Metode: Individuelle semistrukturerte intervjuer ble gjennomført med ti ansatte og ti brukere. Datamaterialet ble analysert ved bruk av systematisk tekstkondensering. Funn: Analysen resulterte i syv temaer som beskriver erfaringene til de ansatte og brukere med Drop-in. Seks temaer var felles for ansatte og brukere: 1) Lett tilgjengelig, men høy terskel, 2) Mannen i gata med hele spekteret, 3) Her og nå, 4) Noen som ser, støtter og rommer, 5) Sammensatt hjelp og 6) Forebyggende tilbud. I tillegg ble temaet 7) Økt selvtillit identifisert blant brukerne. Funnene ble oppsummert i et overordnet tema: En psykologisk nødhavn når man trenger det. Implikasjoner: Funnene indikerer at lavterskeltilbudet Drop-in kan ha en viktig funksjon for enkeltindividene og innen psykisk helsearbeid. Videre forskning bør undersøke hvordan den mentale terskelen for å oppsøke slike tilbud kan senkes, samt hvordan tilbudet også kan nå ut til mer marginaliserte og sårbare grupper i samfunnet. Nøkkelord: psykisk helsearbeid, kvalitativ metode, uten henvisning

• Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Diella, Rexha & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2025). “Students Moving Together”: A Qualitative Study of Tailored Group Exercise for Students Facing Mental Health Challenges. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. ISSN 1543-3080. Advance Article, p. 1–8. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0582. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The rise in mental health challenges in university students is of increasing concern, with the accompanying increased demand for services. Physical activity demonstrates potential as a tool to alleviate said demand. Hence the aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of tailored group exercise among students facing mental health challenges. Methods: Eleven university students aged 20–39 years who were facing mental health challenges, participated in a pilot study with 10 weeks of supervised group exercise tailored to their mental health, physical fitness, and function, were included in this qualitative study with semistructured in-depth interviews. Interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation. Results: The analysis resulted in 5 themes describing the students’ experiences with the tailored group exercise: (1) resistance in advance; (2) social belonging and community; (3) the instructor as sweet and sour; (4) better mental health, joy, and something “to go to;” and (5) a desire to continue the intervention and exercising. Conclusions: Tailored group exercise was experienced as difficult to enter and attend prior to the start, yet manageable for students facing mental health challenges. Group exercise under the supervision of a competent instructor provided the students with a sense of belonging and enhanced their self-efficacy for exercise. The new experience seemed to have changed the participants’ attitudes and motivation to exercise, as well as improved their mental health and structure of their day. Insight into these experiences is important when planning exercise interventions for students facing mental health challenges.

• Brandtzæg, Marthe; Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Øverby, Nina Cecilie; Helle, Christine; Wills, Andrew Keith & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2025). Higher Physical Activity Level is Associated With Increased Well-being and Better Mental Health in Women up to 4 Years Postpartum: A Cohort Study. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. ISSN 1543-3080. 22(1), p. 1409–1417. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0654. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Many women reduce physical activity (PA) level during pregnancy, which may contribute to increased risk of mental health challenges. The aim was to describe changes in PA levels in women over a 4-year postpartum period and to investigate associations between PA level and mental health. Methods: Seven hundred fifteen Norwegian women recruited from child health centers and social media completed web questionnaires. PA was measured 5, 12, 24, and 48 months postpartum as frequency per week (>30 min short of breath/sweating): <1/week, 1 to 2/week, and ≥3/week. Mental health was measured 5, 12, and 24 months postpartum and included psychological distress, self-efficacy, joy/anger, and depression. Change in PA levels was analyzed with Friedman test using longitudinal data, and associations were analyzed with multiple linear/logistic regression using cross sectional data. Results: In the 207 women completing all PA measurements, the levels showed a consistent pattern throughout the period. On a group level, there was a decrease in PA frequency from 5 to 12 months (P < .001) and an increase from 12 to 24 months (P = .024). Higher PA levels were associated with increased joy (β = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.31; P = .012) and self-efficacy (β = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12–0.39; P < .001) 5 months postpartum and reduced depression symptoms (β = −0.16; 95% CI, −0.30 to −0.01; P = .036) and risk of psychological distress (odds ratio = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09–0.79; P = .017) 12 months postpartum. Conclusion: Most of the women had a low PA level postpartum, and the levels showed a consistent pattern throughout the period. The findings indicated that higher levels of PA were associated with better mental health in postpartum women.

• Fongen, Camilla; Dagfinrud, Hanne Solveig; Bilberg, Annelie & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2023). Reduced sleep quality is highly prevalent and associated with physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. ISSN 0300-9742. 53(2), p. 130–139. doi: 10.1080/03009742.2023.2281069. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives To assess sleep quality, and its associations with physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and spinal mobility, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. Method Baseline data from the Exercise for Spondyloarthritis trial were used. Assessments included [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 0–21, 21 = worst], performance-based physical function [Ankylosing Spondylitis Performance Index (ASPI), seconds, higher = worse], patient-reported physical function [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), 0–10, 10 = worst], cardiorespiratory fitness [peak oxygen uptake (V O2peak), mL/kg/min, lower = worse], and spinal mobility [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), 0–10, 10 = worst]. Associations were examined in separate models using multiple linear regression. Results Ninety-nine patients with axSpA were included, 53% female, mean age 46 years, and 72% with high disease activity (ASDAS-C-reactive protein ≥ 2.1), of whom 84 (85%) had reduced sleep quality. Sleep disturbance was most frequently reported (65%), followed by poor subjective sleep quality (53%), daytime dysfunction (41%), and increased sleep latency (41%). Positive associations were observed between PSQI and ASPI [β = 0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01, 0.19] and PSQI and BASFI (β = 0.85, 95% CI 0.51, 1.20), and there was an inverse association between PSQI and V O2peak (β = −0.14, 95% CI −0.27, −0.01), adjusted for age and sex. There was no association between PSQI and BASMI. Conclusion Reduced sleep quality was common in axSpA patients with moderate to high disease activity. Better sleep quality was associated with better physical function and higher cardiorespiratory fitness. There was no association between sleep quality and spinal mobility.

• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Smedslund, Geir; Walsh, David A. & Dagfinrud, Hanne Solveig (2023). Effects of Analgesics on Self-Reported Physical Function and Walking Ability in People With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Physical Therapy. ISSN 0031-9023. 104(2). doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzad160. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective Hip and knee osteoarthritis are among the leading causes of global disability, and one of the main aims of the management is to improve physical function. The objective of this review was to investigate the effect of analgesics on physical function (self-reported physical function and walking ability). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the findings were performed. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of analgesics on self-reported physical function and walking ability were included. Analgesics were orally administered acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or opioids. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was calculated (SMDs: 0.2–0.4 = small, 0.5–0.7 = medium, and ≥0.8 = large effect sizes). The quality of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Results A total of 1454 studies were identified, of which 33 were included. On self-reported physical function, the results showed low- to moderate-quality evidence for a small beneficial effect of acetaminophen (SMD = −0.13 [95% CI = −0.26 to 0.00]), NSAIDs (SMD = −0.32 [95% CI = −0.37 to −0.27]), or opioids (SMD = −0.20 [95% CI = −0.32 to −0.09]). There was moderate-quality evidence for a small effect of NSAIDs on pain during walking (SMD = −0.34 [95% CI = −0.45 to −0.23]). Conclusion In people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, there was low- to moderate-quality evidence for small beneficial effects of analgesics on physical function and walking ability. Impact Analgesics may improve physical function by reducing pain during exercise and walking.

• Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Osmundsen, Elise Fauske & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2023). Erfaringer med digitalisering av kurs ved frisklivsentralen - En intervjustudie. Fysioterapeuten. ISSN 0016-3384. 1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hensikt: Å undersøke ansattes og deltakeres erfaringer med digitalisering av kurs ved frisklivsentralen. Materiale og metode: Studien er basert på to fokusgruppeintervju med til sammen ni ansatte og syv individuelle dybdeintervju med deltakere på en frisklivsentral. Datamaterialet ble analysert ved bruk av systematisk tekstkondensering. Funn: Det digitale rommet erfartes som «nytt og ukjent terreng» for både ansatte og deltakere. I tillegg opplevde de ansatte flere «juridiske begrensinger» i det digitale rom med hensyn til personvern og taushetsplikt. Både ansatte og deltakere snakket om at de «mistet mye» ved digitale kurs, slik som erfaringsutveksling, spørsmål, det sosiale og kroppsspråk. Videre erfarte begge grupper flere «digitale muligheter» slik som at det var effektivt, tidsbesparende og fleksibelt. De var derfor positive til at det kunne være et «nyttig supplement» videre. Konklusjon: Ansatte og deltakere var positive til mer bruk av digitale kurs og digitale verktøy som et supplement til fysiske kurs ved frisklivsentralen. Imidlertid uttrykte de skepsis til bruk av heldigitale kurs. Begge grupper beskrev at de mistet mye ved digitale kurs, spesielt det sosiale felleskapet og erfaringsutvekslingen. Flere muligheter ved digitalisering ble beskrevet, slik som at det var effektivt og tidsbesparende. De ansatte opplevde det tekniske som et hinder for digitaliseringen av tilbudet ved frisklivsentralen.

• Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline; Cabral, Danielle & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2023). “Students Moving Together”, Tailored Exercise for Students Facing Mental Health Challenges—A Pilot Feasibility Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 20(17). doi: 10.3390/ijerph20176639. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  An increasing number of university students are facing mental health challenges. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of 10 weeks of supervised tailored group exercise for 60 min twice a week delivered by the student health service for students facing mental health challenges. Secondary aims were to explore changes in mental health and physical fitness from pre- to post-test. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment, drop-outs, attendance, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety, wellbeing, satisfaction with life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular endurance/strength. A total of 13 university students with self-reported mental health challenges, aged 20–39 years, were recruited during a four-week period. Ten (77%) of these completed the intervention and post-test as planned, and no adverse events occurred. There was a significant average reduction of 20% in symptoms of depression and anxiety (p = 0.008), and non-significant improvements of 21% in well-being and 16% in satisfaction with life were found. On average, cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.01) and muscular strength (push-ups test, p = 0.01, and sit-ups test, p = 0.02) increased. In conclusion, a 10-week tailored exercise intervention delivered by the student mental health service was found to be feasible, and beneficial for mental health and physical fitness in students facing mental health challenges.

• Bilberg, Annelie; Dagfinrud, Hanne & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2021). Supervised Intensive Exercise for Strengthening Exercise Health Beliefs in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis care & research. ISSN 2151-464X. doi: 10.1002/acr.24556. Full text in Research Archive
• Fongen, Camilla; Dagfinrud, Hanne Solveig; Bilberg, Annelie; Pedersen, Elisabeth; Johansen, Melissa Woll & Weely, Salima van [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Responsiveness and Interpretability of 2 Measures of Physical Function in Patients with Spondyloarthritis. Physical Therapy. ISSN 0031-9023. 100(4), p. 728–738. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa004. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Dagfinrud, Hanne; Berg, Inger Jorid; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Johansen, Melissa Woll & Pedersen, Elisabeth Alexandersen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2020). High-Intensity Exercise Improves Fatigue, Sleep, and Mood in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Physical Therapy. ISSN 0031-9023. 100(8), p. 1323–1332. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa086. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  <i>Objective</i> - Although exercise is recommended in the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpa), the focus has been on flexibility, and the effect of high-intensity exercises is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity exercises on fatigue, sleep, and mood in patients with axSpA.<br><br> <i>Methods</i> - In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, participants were recruited from outpatient clinics at 4 hospitals in Scandinavia. A total of 100 patients with axSpA were randomized to either an exercise group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). High-intensity exercise was provided 3 times per week for 3 months and supervised by a physical therapist. The controls received no intervention. Measurements were self-reported at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months: fatigue, using the Fatigue Severity Scale (range = 0–7, 7 = worst, ≥5 = severe); vitality, using the RAND 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36, range = 0–100, 100 = best); sleep, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (range = 0–21, 21 = worst, >5 = poor quality); mood, using the General Health Questionnaire 12 (range = 0–36, 36 = worst); and general health, using the EUROQoL (range = 0–100, 100 = best).<br><br> <i>Results</i> - A total of 38 participants (76%) in the exercise group followed ≥80% of the exercise protocol. At 3 months, there was a significant beneficial effect on fatigue (mean group differences = −0.4, 95% CI = −0.7 to −0.1), vitality (5.0, 95% CI = 1.1 to 10.5), mood (−2, 95% CI = −3.7 to −0.04), and general health (9.0, 95% CI = 3.3 to 14.7) but no effect on sleep (−1.1, 95% CI = −2.1 to 0.2). Compared with the control group, the exercise group had a reduced rate of severe fatigue and poor sleep. No differences were seen between the groups at 12 months.<br><br> <i>Conclusions</i> - A 3-month exercise program had a beneficial effect on fatigue, sleep, mood, and general health in patients with axSpA at the end of the intervention; however, no long-term effects were seen.<br><br> <i>Impact</i> - High-intensity cardiorespiratory and strength exercises should be considered as important in exercise programs for patients with axSpA.

• Bilberg, Annelie; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Dagfinrud, Hanne & Mannerkorpi, Kaisa (2020). How Do Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Experience High-Intensity Exercise? ACR Open Rheumatology. 2(4), p. 207–213. doi: 10.1002/acr2.11128. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Dagfinrud, Hanne; Johansen, Melissa Woll; Pedersen, Elisabeth Alexandersen; Wold, Ole-Martin & Bilberg, Annelie (2019). Beneficial Long-Term Effect on Leisure Time Physical Activity Level in Individuals With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Rheumatology. ISSN 0315-162X. 47(8), p. 1189–1197. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.190317. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To explore the longterm effect of a 3-month exercise program on leisure time physical activity level in individuals with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on data from 100 individuals with axSpA who were included in a randomized controlled trial. The exercise group (EG) participated in a 3-month exercise program while the control group (CG) received no intervention. Physical activity during leisure time was measured with a questionnaire (physically active: ≥ 1 h/week with moderate/vigorous intensity physical activity). Disease activity was measured with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scale (ASDAS; higher score = worst). Statistical analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis using chi-square tests, logistic regression, and mixed models. Results: At the 12-month followup, significantly more individuals in the EG than in the CG were physically active [29 (67%) vs 13 (30%), p < 0.001] and exercised 2–3 times/week [25 (58%) vs 15 (34%), p = 0.02], and fewer exercised at light intensity [3 (8%) vs 14 (44%), p = 0.002]. “Participation in the EG” (OR 6.7, 95% CI 2.4–18.6, p < 0.001) and “being physically active at baseline” (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.4–15.8, p = 0.01) were the factors most associated with being physically active. There were no differences between the groups in ASDAS (p = 0.79). Conclusion: A 3-month exercise program had a beneficial longterm effect on leisure time physical activity in individuals with axSpA, thus indicating a more beneficial health profile. Still, few individuals continued the intensive program, and there was no difference between the groups in disease activity after 12 months. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02356874)

• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Bilberg, Annelie; Berg, Inger Jorid; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Rollefstad, Silvia Christin Hellerud & Semb, Anne Grete [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). High intensity exercise for 3 months reduces disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA): A multicentre randomised trial of 100 patients. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099943. Full text in Research Archive
• Berg, Inger Jorid; Semb, Anne Grete; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Fongen, Camilla; Heijde, Desirée van der & Kvien, Tore Kristian [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Arterial Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-sectional Study. Journal of Rheumatology. ISSN 0315-162X. 45(11), p. 1522–1525. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.170726. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Hagen, Kåre Birger; Smedslund, Geir & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2018). Meta-analyse: kondisjon- og styrketrening reduserer sykdomsaktivitet hos pasienter med inflammatoriske revmatiske sykdommer. Best Practice, Revmatologi. Oktober. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Smedslund, Geir; Hagen, Kåre Birger & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2017). Effect of cardiorespiratory and strength exercises on disease activity in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674. 51(14), p. 1065–1072. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097149. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Berg, Inger Jorid; Fongen, Camilla; Provan, Sella Aarrestad & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2017). High-intensity cardiorespiratory and strength exercises reduced emotional distress and fatigue in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. ISSN 0300-9742. doi: 10.1080/03009742.2017.1347276. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Berg, Inger Jorid; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Semb, Anne Grete; Olsen, Inge Christoffer & Ueland, Thor [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2015). Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and cytokine receptors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A cross-sectional comparative study. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. ISSN 0300-9742. 44(2), p. 118–124. doi: 10.3109/03009742.2014.956142. Full text in Research Archive
• Fongen, Camilla; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2015). Barriers and facilitators for being physically active in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional comparative study. Musculoskeletal Care. ISSN 1478-2189. 13(2), p. 76–83. doi: 10.1002/msc.1088. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Berg, Inger Jorid; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Semb, Anne Grete; Hagen, Kåre Birger & Vøllestad, Nina Køpke [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2014). Efficacy of High Intensity Exercise on Disease Activity and Cardiovascular Risk in Active Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. PLOS ONE. 9(9). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108688. Full text in Research Archive
• Halvorsen, Silje; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Edvardsen, Elisabeth & Bø, Kari (2013). Effect of aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women: A randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy. ISSN 0031-9406. 99(1), p. 42–48. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2011.11.002. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Participants: Sixty-two primiparous women with a mean age of 30.6 [standard deviation (SD) 3.7] years randomised to exercise (n = 34) and (n = 28) control groups. Intervention: Two aerobic dance classes per week and 30 minutes of daily self-imposed physical activity for 12 weeks. Main outcome measure: Cardiorespiratory fitness, assessed using a submaximal treadmill test to establish oxygen uptake (VO2) (ml/kg/minute) at three different levels of blood lactate. Levels 1, 2 and 3 were calculated and defined as 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mmol/l above resting blood lactate level, respectively. Results: The women in the exercise group attended a mean of 20 (SD 12) out of 24 aerobic dance classes. Both groups had a small significant decrease in VO2 between baseline and post-intervention: the exercise group decreased from 25.8 (SD 3.3) to 24.5 (SD 3.8) ml/kg/minute and the control group decreased from 25.8 (SD 3.1) to 24.5 (SD 2.5) ml/kg/minute at Level 3 (anaerobic threshold) (mean difference in change at Level 3 = 0.1, 95% confidence interval −1.4 to 1.7; P = 0.89). There were no differences in change between the groups at any level. Conclusion: A 12-week aerobic dance programme had no effect on cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women.

• Fongen, Camilla; Halvorsen, Silje & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2013). High disease activity is related to low levels of physical activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology. ISSN 0770-3198. 32(12), p. 1719–1725. doi: 10.1007/s10067-013-2320-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study aims to compare physical activity (PA) level and exercise habits in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who have high disease activity with those who have low disease activity and, further, to compare both groups with population controls. Cross-sectional study design was used. The participants include 149 patients (mean age 49.3 (SD 11.1), 61 % men, 54 % high disease activity) and 133 controls (mean age 52.7 (SD11.3), 58 % men). PA was reported with the International PA Questionnaire-Long and results were presented as weekly energy expenditure (metabolic equivalent, MET) in different intensities, domains, and proportion reaching health enhancing physical activity (HEPA). Types of PA were registered in a structured interview. The AS Disease Activity Score was used to assess patients’ disease activity. Patients with high disease activity reported significantly lower total weekly energy expenditure (MET) than patients with low disease activity and controls (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, respectively) and lower amounts of walking (p < 0.01, p = 0.02, respectively) and vigorous activity (p = 0.06, p = 0.06, respectively). Only 41 % of the patients with high disease activity reached HEPA compared to 61 % of the patients with low disease activity (p = 0.02). Patients in general participated less in leisure PA performed outdoor and with higher intensities (MET ≥ 6) than controls. AS patients with high disease activity had lower weekly energy expenditure in PA than patients with low disease activity and controls, and were less likely to reach HEPA than patients with low disease activity. For optimal management, health professionals should focus on physical activity in their consultations with AS patients, especially those with high disease activity.

• Halvorsen, Silje; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Semb, Anne Grete; Heijde, Désirée van der & Hagen, Kåre Birger [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2013). Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study. Arthritis Care and Research. ISSN 0893-7524. 65(6), p. 969–976. doi: 10.1002/acr.21926. Full text in Research Archive
• Berdal, Gunnhild; Halvorsen, Silje; Heijde, Désirée van der; Mowe, Morten & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2012). Restrictive pulmonary function is more prevalent in patients with ankylosing spondylitis than in matched population controls and is associated with impaired spinal mobility: a comparative study. Arthritis Research & Therapy. ISSN 1478-6354. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/ar3699. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Pulmonary involvement is a known manifestation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, previous studies have been based on small samples and the reported prevalence and associations with typical clinical features vary. The purpose of this study was to compare pulmonary function (PF) in patients with AS and population controls, and to study associations between PF and disease related variables, cardio-respiratory fitness and demographic variables in patients with AS. Methods In a cross-sectional controlled study, 147 AS patients and 121 controls underwent examinations, including demographic variables, laboratory (C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and clinical measures (disease activity (AS disease activity score, ASDAS), physical function (Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index, BASFI), spinal mobility (Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index, BASMI), chest expansion, cardio-respiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) and pulmonary function test (PFT) (spirometry)). Cumulative probability plots were used to visualize associations between the ASDAS and BASMI scores and the corresponding forced vital capacity (FVC%, percentage of predicted value controlled for the influence of confounding factors) score for each patient. Univariate ANCOVAs were performed to explore group differences in PF adjusting for relevant variables, and a multiple regression model was used to estimate the explanatory power of independent variables (demographic, disease related, VO2peak) on restrictive ventilatory impairment (FVC%). Results AS patients showed significantly lower PF values compared with controls, and significantly more patients were categorized with restrictive pattern (18% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). Cumulative probability plots showed significant associations between spinal mobility measures (BASMI) and FVC% for individual patients. BASMI, chest expansion and male gender contributed significantly and independently in a multiple regression model predicting the variation of FVC% in AS patients, whereas disease activity, physical function and VO2peak did not contribute significantly. The final model explained 45% of the variance in FVC% (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study showed significantly impaired pulmonary function in the AS patients compared to controls and reference data, and demonstrated a clear relationship between reduced spinal mobility and restrictive PF in AS patients. The results support the assumption of an association between musculoskeletal limitations and restrictive respiratory impairment in AS, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spinal flexibility in the management of the disease. Further, patients with severely reduced spinal mobility should be referred for pulmonary function examination and relevant follow-up treatment.

• Halvorsen, Silje; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Semb, Anne Grete; Heijde, Désirée van der & Hagen, Kåre Birger [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2012). High cardiorespiratory fitness is related to lower cardiovascular risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Care and Research. ISSN 0893-7524. doi: 10.1002/acr.21925. Full text in Research Archive
• Halvorsen, Silje; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Fongen, Camilla; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Semb, Anne Grete & Hagen, Kåre Birger [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2012). Physical Fitness in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Comparison With Population Controls. Physical Therapy. ISSN 0031-9023. 92(2), p. 298–309. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20110137. Full text in Research Archive
• Dagfinrud, Hanne; Halvorsen, Silje; Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Niedermann, K; Kvien, Tore Kristian & Hagen, Kåre Birger (2011). Exercise Programs in Trials for Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Do They Really Have the Potential for Effectiveness? Arthritis Care and Research. ISSN 0893-7524. 63(4), p. 597–603. doi: 10.1002/acr.20415. Full text in Research Archive

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• Pavia, Fabiola; Provan, Sella Aarrestad; Aas, Eline; Dagfinrud, Hanne; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen & Berg, Inger Jorid [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF A HIGH-INTENSITY EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: A MODELLING STUDY. doi: https:/scientific.sparx-ip.net/archiveeular/?c=a&searchfor=gunhild%20hagen&view=1&item=2026POS0192. Full text in Research Archive
• Skjeldal, Eskil; Danielsen, Kjersti Karoline & Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2025). Brukeres og ansattes erfaringer ved Drop-in livsmestring. [Internet]. https://erfaringskompetanse.no/. Full text in Research Archive
• Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen (2024). High intensity exercise for patients with axial spondyloarthritis. Full text in Research Archive
• Dagfinrud, Hanne; Sveaas, Silje Halvorsen; Smedslund, Geir & Hagen, Kåre Birger (2017). Pasienter med inflammatorisk leddsykdom som gjennomfører kondisjon- og styrketrening reduserer også sykdomsaktiviteten. Full text in Research Archive
• Fongen, Camilla; Halvorsen, Silje & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2012). High disease activity is related to low levels of physical activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. ISSN 0003-4967. p. 745–745. Full text in Research Archive
• Berdal, Gunnhild; Halvorsen, Silje; Mowe, Morten; Heijde, Désirée van der & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2011). Significantly impaired pulmonary function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared to population controls. Associations to demographic and clinical variables. Full text in Research Archive
• Vøllestad, Nina Køpke; Halvorsen, Silje & Dagfinrud, Hanne (2009). Exercise and physical activity - responses in healthy and persons having musculoskeletal disorders. 13ème Congrès International de l'ACAPS - Approche Pluridisciplinaire de la Motricité Humaine. Full text in Research Archive

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