< BACK iPROLEPSIS at IEEE-EMBS BSN 2025 Nov 6, 2025 Showcasing iPROLEPSIS at a leading international conference on body sensor research The IEEE-EMBS International Conference on Body Sensor Networks (IEEE-EMBS BSN 2025) took place in Los Angeles, USA, from 3–5 November 2025. The conference brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry representatives working on body sensor technologies and their applications in health and biomedical research. iPROLEPSIS was showcased at the event by project partner PLUX , which hosted a dedicated booth. The project was presented to an international audience, increasing its visibility within the body sensor and digital health research community. IEEE EMBS 2025 2.HEIC IEEE EMBS 2025 1.HEIC IEEE EMBS 2025 3.HEIC IEEE EMBS 2025 2.HEIC 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS at GRAPPA 2025: Advancing Digital Tools for Psoriatic Arthritis Care Jul 18, 2025 Exploring how digital biomarkers can support hand function assessment in real-world settings iPROLEPSIS participated in the GRAPPA Annual Meeting 2025 , held on 10–12 July in Bogotá, Colombia. Vasilis Charisis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH) presented an overview of the project’s key objectives and emerging results. The talk highlighted how digital biomarkers – captured via smartphone typing dynamics and video-based motor tasks – can support the assessment of hand function in real-world conditions. The session reached approximately 350 stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, and industry representatives, helping raise awareness of iPROLEPSIS and its goals within the psoriatic disease community. 2.jpg 1.jpg 3.jpg 2.jpg 1/3 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS at IEEE HealthCom 2025: AI-Enabled Digital Health for Psoriatic Arthritis Nov 3, 2025 Project researchers presented new studies, co-chaired a workshop, and joined a panel on digital innovation in healthcare in Abu Dhabi The iPROLEPSIS team participated in the IEEE HealthCom 2025 Conference , held 21–23 October 2025 and hosted by Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates . The event gathered international experts in digital health , artificial intelligence , and biomedical technologies to discuss how AI can improve the understanding and management of non-communicable diseases . Modeling joint swelling through smartphone photographs Giorgos Apostolidis from the Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit – AUTH presented the paper “Modeling Interphalangeal Joints for Swelling Assessment in Psoriatic Arthritis via Smartphone Photographs”. By analyzing smartphone photos of hands, the study showcased that a digital estimation of joint thickness, namely effective width , with the aid of a logistic regression model , can serve as an effective tool for detecting interphalangeal joint swelling in people with PsA .This approach was validated on a real-world dataset collected within the PDPID study . Giorgos Apostolidis (Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit – AUTH) Designing exergames for Psoriatic Arthritis care Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis (AUTH) presented the paper “Designing Exergames for Psoriatic Arthritis: The Spy and Zen Forest Paradigms”. The Spy and Zen Forest exergames were co-designed to complement PsA care by making therapeutic exercises more engaging and accessible at home. Using real-time body tracking on mobile devices , these games promote dynamic movement to enhance mobility and strength, and calm stretching for flexibility and relaxation. Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis (Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit-AUTH) Panel discussion: Digital Bridges for Better Health Project Coordinator Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis , Scientific & Technical Manager Vasileios Charisis , and Stelios Hadjidimitriou from the Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit – AUTH , together with Dr. Kosmas Dimitropoulos from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) and Prof. Mohamed Seghier from Khalifa University , participated in the panel discussion “Digital Bridges for Better Health: AI Innovation from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),” moderated by Giorgos Apostolidis. The panel provided insights into: The technical challenges in integrating AI with existing healthcare IT systems, How key stakeholders can collaborate to ensure AI digital health tools are user-friendly and clinically relevant, The role of patient engagement and digital literacy in the effectiveness of AI tools in chronic disease management How socio-cultural differences between Europe and MENA can influence the design and adoption of AI digital health solutions What are the key regulatory challenges in Europe and MENA regarding the use of AI in healthcare and what joint efforts can be undertaken to harmonize standards in these regions During the session, the iPROLEPSIS project and its AI-enabled digital health tools for assisting Psoriatic Arthritis management and care were highlighted as a case study of AI solutions with potential to improve outcomes for people with non-communicable diseases . Panel discussion "Digital Bridges for better health: AI Innovation from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)" Workshop chairing Scientific & Technical Manager Vasileios Charisis from the Signal Processing & Biomedical Technology Unit-AUTH co-chaired the workshop "AI-enabled Digital Health Tools for Non-Communicable Diseases: From Concepts to Impact" . The workshop was co-organised with the AI-PROGNOSIS Horizon Europe project and included research works in the fields of psoriatic arthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and post-stroke rehabilitation. Two of the presented papers stem from research carried out within iPROLEPSIS: Apostolidis et al., Modeling Interphalangeal Joints for Swelling Assessment in Psoriatic Arthritis via Smartphone Photographs Ramalho et al., Designing exergames for psoriatic arthritis: The Spy and Zen Forest paradigms Workshop “AI-enabled Digital Health Tools for Non-Communicable Diseases: From Concepts to Impact” The iPROLEPSIS and AI-PROGNOSIS teams from AUTH participated jointly at IEEE HealthCom 2025 , highlighting their shared commitment to advancing AI-enabled digital health solutions that enhance the understanding, early detection, and management of chronic diseases . iPROLEPSIS and AI-PROGNOSIS team members PXL_20251021_131742947.MP.jpg 2.jpg IMG_2954.jpg PXL_20251021_131742947.MP.jpg 1/11 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS, AI-PROGNOSIS & REBECCA: A Thematic Cluster on AI-Driven Digital Health Jul 17, 2025 Three EU-funded projects exploring real-world data, wearables, and personalised care in healthcare innovation Have you ever asked yourself how to make AI really effective along the patient journey? That was one of the first questions we asked ourselves when we launched our project. Along the way, we discovered we weren’t alone – many other research initiatives working with AI in healthcare were asking the same thing. That’s why we decided to take a step forward and create a cluster : a concrete way to collaborate, foster the impact of our solutions, and improve them through scientific exchange and an open science approach. AI-PROGNOSIS, iPROLEPSIS, and REBECCA – three EU-funded projects to advance patient-centric AI in healthcare. Focusing on Parkinson’s disease (PD), AI-PROGNOSIS is developing a suite of AI-powered tools for both patients and clinicians . These include early risk assessment, symptom monitoring, and medication support – based on real-world data from wearables and patient self-reports. It’s about enabling timely, data-driven decisions and bringing predictive analytics to the heart of primary care. iPROLEPSIS is building a comprehensive digital health ecosystem for psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It brings together a multisource biobank, a smartphone-based app powered by digital biomarkers and AI-driven predictive models, and an intervention module featuring therapeutic games, lifestyle coaching, and sleep support. The goal? To reshape the way we monitor and treat chronic inflammatory diseases through personalised mobile health solutions. Finally, REBECCA is working to improve long-term care for breast cancer survivors. By combining electronic health records with data from wearables and behaviour tracking , it generates real-world evidence on patients’ emotional, functional, and quality-of-life needs. Its explainable AI platform also supports caregivers and families via a dedicated app, empowering a more holistic approach to survivorship. What will we do together? We aim to contribute to the discussion on how AI-based digital health can support medical decision-making and real-time monitoring within daily hospital routines. I ntegrating AI into clinical practice is no easy task. Our solutions are designed to enable real-time health monitoring, informed decision-making, and disease management by leveraging biometric, behavioral, and clinical data –maximizing the impact along the patient journey. Another area of strong interest is the development of digital infrastructures that integrate wearable, clinical, behavioral, and environmental datasets. We believe these can be analyzed collectively through AI to generate real-world evidence and support both predictive and causal modeling – helping to guide research and inform treatment planning in more meaningful ways. Cluster.png Cluster.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK AINIGMA Technologies at InnoHealth Forum 2024 Sep 24, 2024 Highlights from InnoHealth Forum 2024 iPROLEPSIS colleagues from the AINIGMA Technologies team participated in the InnoHealth Forum 2024 (20-21 September, 2024), an event that promotes and highlights innovative health technology solutions for the benefit of humanity. With 25 exhibitors, 50+ live demos of cutting-edge health products and services and over 130 matchmaking meeting and networking opportunities, this forum was a great opportunity to spread the word about the iPROLEPSIS project and connect with potential end-users. 1/5 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK 6th iPROLEPSIS Plenary Meeting Held in Oxford May 15, 2025 Partners Shared Progress and Plans for the Future The iPROLEPSIS consortium came together on 13–14 May 2025 for its 6th Plenary Meeting , hosted by the University of Oxford in the beautiful city of Oxford, UK. The two-day meeting covered updates on various parts of the project, including system development, clinical studies, data harmonisation, and user needs. It was a great opportunity for partners to share progress, discuss challenges, and align on next steps. Workshops helped address open issues and refine priorities for the coming months. On the first day, the consortium also welcomed feedback from the External Advisory Board , offering helpful guidance on recent developments. A warm thank you to the University of Oxford for hosting and to all participants for the active and constructive discussions! IMG_9529.jpg IMG_9431.jpg IMG_9527.jpg IMG_9529.jpg 1/8 PREVIOUS NEXT

Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatments and Lifestyle Handbook Handbook 2 How is psoriatic arthritis treated? While there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are multiple drug treatment options that work to control the disease and its symptoms (3). Drug treatments specific for psoriatic arthritis focus on: DRUG TREATMENTS slowing down the progression of the condition; reducing inflammation; relieving pain; treating skin symptoms; keeping joints as mobile as possible. For most people, treatment for psoriatic arthritis will involve trying several different medications. Since many people with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis, managing the condition can seem like treating two diseases. Some treatments work on both diseases, while others work mainly on the arthritis or skin problems. Every person diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis is different. Doctors recommend certain treatments depending on: how many and which parts of the body are affected; how severe the disease is; drug allergies and other health conditions; current medication use. Many times, people with psoriatic arthritis may need to take more than one drug at the same time to control the disease – this is called combination therapy. Combination therapy can allow for lower doses of each individual drug to be used. During flares, additional medications may be added temporarily or for the longer term.It is important to be involved in shared-decision making with your doctor(s) and adhere to the treatment plan. You should communicate any issues with medications, such as side effects or difficulty adhering to the treatment plan, so that effective steps can be taken to address the problem(s). TREATMENT FOR THE ARTHRITIS The over-the-counter and prescription medicines for psoriatic arthritis include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); steroid medication (corticosteroids); disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). See related Key Facts section h2.1 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but they might not be enough to treat symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (9). There are two types of NSAIDs: traditional NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac; COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib and etoricoxib. Like all medicines, NSAIDs can have side effects. Your doctor will take precautions to reduce the risk of side effects by prescribing the lowest dose necessary to control your symptoms for the shortest time possible. NSAIDs can sometimes affect the stomach and intestines, causing digestive problems such as indigestion and stomach ulcers (17). A medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, may also be prescribed to help protect the stomach. Chronic treatment with NSAIDs can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems (17). Please, let your doctor know if there are risk factors that may increase your overall risk, for example, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Some people have found that taking NSAIDs made their psoriasis symptoms worse. Inform your doctor if this happens to you. Steroid medication (corticosteroids) Like NSAIDs, corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain (18). If you have a single painful and/or swollen joint, your doctor may inject the medication directly into the joint. The effect can last from a few weeks to several months. However, having too many steroid injections in the same joint(s) can damage the surrounding tissue and, thus, your doctor will usually not recommend more than three injections per year. When lots of joints are inflamed, corticosteroids can be taken as a tablet, or as an injection into the muscle. However, doctors are cautious about this because corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as weight gain and osteoporosis, increased risk of infection and cardiovascular events, if used for long periods of time. Because of these side effects, your doctor will prescribe you the lowest dose necessary to control your symptoms for the shortest time possible. Psoriasis can flare up when you stop using oral corticosteroids. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) DMARDs are powerful medications that reduce inflammation and can stop psoriatic arthritis from getting worse (19). DMARDs can help prevent damage to your joints. Many DMARDs will treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Because this type of medicine treats the cause of your condition and not the symptoms, it can take up to three months before you feel an effect. Therefore, it is important to keep taking the medication, even if it does not seem to be working at first. Like all drugs, DMARDs can have some side effects. While DMARDs can be very effective, these medications reduce the activity of the immune system (immunosuppressants) and raise the risk of an infection. However, it is important to remember that not treating psoriatic arthritis could lead to permanent bone and joint damage. There are three types of DMARDs as described in Table 1. Table 1: Types of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Traditional Traditional DMARDs (csDMARDs) have been used the longest and have a broad immune- suppressing effect. These medicines are usually taken by mouth. Example: methotrexate, sulfasalazine. Biologic Biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) disrupt key steps in the inflammatory process and generally work more quickly than traditional DMARDs. These drugs are usually injected. Example: adalimumab, etanercept. Targeted Like biologic DMARDs, targeted DMARDs (tsDMARDs) block key steps in the inflammatory process. These medications are usually taken by mouth. Example: tofacitinib. TREATMENT FOR THE PSORIASIS The over-the-counter and prescription medicines for psoriasis include: topical medications made from vitamin D, derivatives of vitamin A, salicylic acid, coal tar or corticosteroids; phototherapy that uses ultraviolet light (UVB) may be prescribed to treat and lessen skin rashes. Only your doctor should prescribe phototherapy, do not try to use sunlight or sunlamps to treat your skin on your own; some DMARDs and biological therapies used for arthritis can also help the psoriasis. VACCINES If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may have a higher risk of infection and infections may be more severe (20). This can be due to the arthritis itself or its treatment. Psoriatic arthritis, which caused by a fault of the immune system, can make you more vulnerable to infections. In addition, some of the drugs utilised to treat psoriatic arthritis (e.g., DMARDs and/ or steroids) dampen down the immune system, that is, they act as immunosuppressants, which can also make you more prone to infection. An increased risk of infection due to a medical condition and/or drugs is called immunosuppression. Your rheumatologist can provide guidance based on your age and your risk for getting certain infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, shingles, or hepatitis B). Vaccines are safe and can help you avoid serious infections. See related Key Facts section Non-pharmacological treatments NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENTS Drugs are not the only way to treat or manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. There are many things you can do, alongside taking prescribed medication, that can improve your life quality by lessening pain and inflammation, and improving your overall health. YOUR VOICE MATTERS Your experiences – how your therapies are working, what side affects you are experiencing, how your symptoms are affecting you, what challenges you are facing in your daily life due to psoriatic arthritis – are very important pieces of information. This information is called patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and it may be collected via a questionnaire prior to your rheumatology appointment. PROs can help your doctor assess the impact of your disease and better evaluate your treatment plan. These questionnaires can also help you self-manage your condition. Some of the questionnaires your rheumatologist may use are: PSAID (Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease): measures the impact of your disease on your physical and psychological health; VAS (Visual Analogue Scale): a simple tool to track and measure your pain; IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire): measures the types of intensity of physical activity and sitting time that people do as part of their daily lives; HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire): measures your physical function and disability due to arthritis; FACIT-F (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue): measures your fatigue that is caused by the arthritis; WPAI (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment): measures impairments in work and activities; HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale): measures the levels of anxiety and depression; PsAQoL (Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life): measures the quality of life in people with psoriatic arthritis; EQ-5D (EuroQol-5 Dimensions): measures quality of life in relation to 5 dimensions – mobility, usual activities, self-care, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression; SF-36 (Short Form-36): measures quality of life and covers 8 domains of health – physical functioning, physical role, pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. So, if your doctor or nurse asks you to fill out a questionnaire, please take the time to do it and be honest! PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Inflammation of joints and soft tissues can often lead to extreme pain, immobility, and dysfunction. Additionally, the arthritis can lead to difficulty in daily activities in the home and workplace. Physical and occupational therapy can help you get moving safely and effectively. Physical therapy is the most impactful if you are experiencing (21): loss of motion due to inflammation in the shoulder, wrist, hand, knee, or foot; severe enthesitis or dactylitis; inflammatory back pain. Physical therapy will focus on (21): improving mobility and restore the use of affected joints; increasing muscle strength to support the joints; maintaining fitness; preserving the ability to perform daily activities. Occupational therapy can also be helpful, especially if you are experiencing difficulties with everyday activities. See related Key Facts section h2.3 Occupational therapy can help you maximise your ability to participate in daily activities. Strategies include the use of assistive devices (e.g., braces, splints), and movement modification to help people protect their joints by performing tasks in different ways than they are used to (e.g., using both hands). SURGERY Most people diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis will never need joint surgery. However, if joints are severely damaged by the arthritis, or if other treatments do not reduce pain, damaged joints can be replaced by plastic, metal, or ceramic prosthesis to reduce pain, and improve function and quality of life. COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS Some people with psoriatic arthritis feel that complementary therapies can be helpful. However, you should always talk to your doctor before trying complementary therapies. There is no scientific evidence to support that taking any kind of dietary supplement, such as fish body oil capsules, works in treating psoriatic arthritis. In addition, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of complementary therapies, such as balneotherapy or acupuncture, as treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Complementary therapies can react with other treatments, so you should talk to your doctor if you are using or thinking of using any. See related Key Facts section SELF-CARE AND LIFESTYLE Sedentary behaviour Sedentary behaviour, characterised by prolonged periods of sitting, when accumulated daily for more than 8 hours or maintained for periods longer than 30 minutes without interruption, constitutes a risk to health and well-being. h2.4 h2.5 Since mechanical stress in the case of an inflammatory crisis can promote the appearance of enthesitis, it is necessary to control inflammation before increasing the level of usual physical activity or starting an exercise programme. In any case, the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise on disease, well-being and associated comorbidities outweigh the risk of enthesitis induced by mechanical stress, which is low (25). Diet While there is no a specific diet that can treat psoriatic arthritis, adopting a nutritious and balanced eating plan can play a vital role in managing symptoms and improving overall wellbeing. Research suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet (Figure 3, left-hand side), which includes fruits, vegetables, fibre, high-quality fats, and vitamins, might lessen the impact of your psoriatic arthritis (26). This type of diet has anti-inflammatory benefits that help manage disease activity. So, trying this eating approach might help you ease your psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids , commonly found in oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, or flaxseeds), can also have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing joint stiffness and tenderness (27). Antioxidants found in colourful fruits and vegetables (such as berries, spinach, and kale) also offer potent anti-inflammatory properties that could alleviate joint inflammation and discomfort in people living with psoriatic arthritis. Overall, it is recommended to aim for a balanced intake of 2-5 portions of fruits and 3-5 portions of vegetables daily, as these nutrient-rich foods provide essential antioxidants that may contribute to managing joint inflammation and overall health. Figure 3: Beneficial (on the left side) and harmful (on the right side) dietary patterns. Adapted from Guilliams et al., 2023 (28). Reducing the intake of sugar, saturated fats , and sodium can help you maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is linked to a higher chance of developing psoriatic arthritis, underlining the significance of weight management, especially for psoriasis patients who often suffer from metabolic syndrome and obesity (29). In people living with psoriatic arthritis, studies suggest that sedentary behaviour may contribute to increased joint stiffness, reduced muscle strength, and compromised joint function. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue and depression, which are common in psoriatic arthritis. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, maintaining an active lifestyle is generally considered beneficial for managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms. The risks of sedentary behaviour increase even more when people are inactive; that is, they do not comply with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for physical activity, described below. Physical activity Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for people living with psoriatic arthritis. Physical activity concerns all body movements resulting from muscle contraction regardless of the context in which they are carried out: leisure, transportation to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. Physical activity can help improve joint flexibility, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall joint function. Moreover, physical activity may contribute to better mental health, as it can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety that are often associated with chronic conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Physical activity also plays a role in weight management, which is essential as excess weight can increase joint stress (22). According to the WHO, it is recommended to accumulate at least ~20 minutes per day of physical activity, such as brisk walking (23). This recommendation is also adopted by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (24). A 20-minute physical activity of moderate intensity corresponds to an accumulation of around 2000 steps. Considering a functional activity of 4500 steps per day associated with carrying out activities of daily living such as grooming, cooking, cleaning, travelling to and from work/school, the WHO recommendations, when expressed in total number of steps per day, represent the sum of the two types of activity and correspond to an accumulation of 6500 daily steps under normal living conditions. Physical exercise The most beneficial types of exercise for psoriatic arthritis focus on improving flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness without causing excessive joint stress. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and cycling are often recommended. Strength training exercises, including resistance training and gentle yoga, can help enhance muscle support around the joints. Water-based exercises are particularly advantageous as they provide buoyancy, reducing impact on the joints. The benefits of these exercises include increased joint mobility, reduced pain and stiffness, improved muscle tone, and better overall well-being. People living with psoriatic arthritis should adopt a tailored physical activity routine, considering their specific symptoms and limitations. The iPROLEPSIS app intends to help you limit sedentary behaviours, increase physical activity, and improve daily functional capacity with specific and safe training program recommendations (for more information see section “iPROLEPSIS”). Excess weight can increase joint discomfort and inflammation, particularly in load-bearing joints (such as the hips, knees, and spine). Thus, be mindful of your dietary choices, as these can help you manage your symptoms. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining healthy bones. Additionally, vitamin D helps boost our immune system, fight off viruses, and combat fatigue. It has even been linked to good mood, with a deficiency potentially leading to anxiety and depression. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our bodies produce when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained from certain foods or supplements. This vitamin has several forms, but the most important ones are vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the form that our skin produces naturally in response to sunlight. Research indicates that people with psoriatic arthritis often have lower vitamin D levels than others (30). Having enough vitamin D might help ease some psoriatic arthritis symptoms. The best way to ensure this is through adequate sun exposure. Spending around 10 to 30 minutes in the sun between 10 AM and 3 PM, at least twice a week, is generally sufficient for most individuals to produce enough vitamin D. The exact time needed depends on factors such as skin type, latitude, altitude, and season. The Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends vitamin D supplementation for psoriatic arthritis patients and encourages overweight or obese patients to explore weight reduction through a controlled diet (31). However, you must seek advice from your doctor. Hydration is another key aspect often overlooked, but crucial in managing psoriatic arthritis. Though there are no specific hydration guidelines for people with psoriatic arthritis, drinking around two litres of water daily not only supports maintaining overall health (32), but also helps in joint lubrication and efficient functioning, easing discomfort associated with movement. Some individuals find that certain foods may trigger or exacerbate their psoriatic arthritis symptoms. While these triggers can vary among individuals, common contributors include red and processed meat, low-quality fats, salt and additives, and refined carbohydrates (Figure 3 ; right-hand side). Monitoring your diet and identifying potential trigger foods through a systematic dietary approach or under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help manage pain, fatigue, and flare-ups (33). It is essential to find guidance from a healthcare provider or a dietitian with expertise in psoriatic arthritis to develop a personalised dietary plan (28) aligned with individual preferences and needs. A personalised plan aims to guarantee sufficient nutrient intake, manage weight, and promote overall well-being, addressing the unique challenges associated with psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, embracing a healthy lifestyle, including consistent physical activity, stress management, and a well-balanced diet, holds significant potential to improve the quality of life for people with psoriatic arthritis. Smoking and alcohol consumption Smoking is bad for your overall health, as it increases the likelihood of potential complications, such as heart problems and cancer. Smoking can also make you less sensitive to treatment and worsen your psoriasis symptoms (34, 35). Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs or increase side effects (36, 37). Some studies also suggest that alcohol may act as a trigger for flare-ups (38). See related Key Facts section See related Key Facts Previous page Next page

< BACK iPROLEPSIS presented at DSAI 2026 Jun 26, 2026 Digital biomarkers, serious games and AI-supported health monitoring iPROLEPSIS was represented at DSAI 2026, the 12th International Conference on Software Development and Technologies for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion , held from 23 to 25 June 2026 in Alexandroupolis, Greece. The project contributed to several sessions and presentations focused on digital biomarkers, multimodal digital phenotyping, serious games, artificial intelligence and health monitoring. Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), coordinator of iPROLEPSIS, moderated the Opening Panel titled “Translational Research in Rehabilitation, Digital Inclusiveness and Education in the Era of AI” . He also presented the paper “Multimodal Digital Phenotyping in Psoriatic Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, and Breast Cancer: Tri-project Insights from iPROLEPSIS, AI-PROGNOSIS, and REBECCA” . In addition, Prof. Hadjileontiadis, Vasilis Charisis and Stelios Hadjidimitriou from AUTH co-chaired the Special Track “Digital Biomarkers’ Potentialities: From Digital Phenotyping to Systemic Thinking in Health and Education” . Vasilis Charisis from AUTH also c haired the session “Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Education” . The iPROLEPSIS Serious Games were presented by Bárbara Ramalho from FMH ULisboa, who gave a presentation titled “Digital Biomarkers in Serious Games for Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: The iPROLEPSIS Games Paradigm” . Her presentation showcased how the iPROLEPSIS mobile game suite, co-designed with patients and clinicians, captures multimodal digital biomarkers through Breathing games, Exergames and NoPain games using smartphone and smartwatch sensors. These signals include heart rate, stress, breathing accuracy, mobility and motor control, supporting continuous, real-world monitoring and contributing to digital phenotyping in Psoriatic Arthritis. The project’s participation in DSAI 2026 highlighted the role of iPROLEPSIS in advancing digital biomarker-based approaches for Psoriatic Arthritis monitoring, serious games and AI-supported health innovation. AUTH_DSAI2026_1.jpg IMG_20260623_093204.jpg PhotoDsaiBarbara2_edited.jpg AUTH_DSAI2026_1.jpg 1/8 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK Fostering Synergy: iPROLEPSIS and DHU Partnership Aug 31, 2023 Exploring Collaboration and Synergies with Digital Health Uptake Project This week, we had a fantastic opportunity to connect with Anett Ruszanov, the representative of empirica, the coordinating organisation of the Digital Health Uptake (DHU) project. Our discussion focused on exploring collaboration and networking opportunities between iPROLEPSIS and DHU. The Digital Health Uptake (DHU) project, funded through the Digital Europe Programme, is dedicated to aligning policies, strategies, instruments, and activities to promote the adoption of digital health solutions and services across Europe. DHU's efforts are categorized into three key aspects: RADAR, KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITY, and ACCELERATOR. During the conversation, Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis, iPROLEPSIS project coordinator, and Anett Ruszanov discussed possibilities for collaboration and synergies, such as mutual promotion of relevant news and events through websites, newsletters, and social media, as well as potential co-organisation of events. This dynamic conversation paved the way for the next steps in our partnership. We greatly appreciate this initiative and eagerly anticipate the next steps in our partnership! News & Events iPROLEPSIS - news.png News & Events iPROLEPSIS - news.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK iPROLEPSIS 7th Plenary Meeting in Lisbon Dec 12, 2025 Partners met to review progress and next steps The iPROLEPSIS consortium held its 7th Plenary Meeting on 9–10 December 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal , organised by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Reumatologia (SPR) and hosted at NOVA Medical School . Partners joined on site and remotely for two days of focused discussions on project progress, upcoming study deployments, and priorities for the next phase of the project. Reviewing progress and open scientific issues The first day of the meeting focused on reviewing overall project progress and aligning partners on key scientific and technical developments. Updates were shared across multiple work packages, covering advances in digital phenotyping , data harmonisation , and system development . Dedicated sessions addressed open issues related to digital phenotyping methodologies and data analysis, while partners also discussed progress on data harmonisation activities supporting the project’s clinical studies. An External Advisory Board session provided valuable scientific and strategic feedback on project progress, ongoing work, and next steps. The day included a tour of NOVA Medical School facilities , offering participants insight into the host institution’s research environment. Clinical studies, ecosystem updates, and coordination The second day focused on updates from the project’s clinical studies , including IDBV, PPIDC, MOJMI, and PDPID , with detailed discussions on timelines, technical readiness, and preparations for upcoming deployments. Partners also reviewed progress on the iPROLEPSIS ecosystem, including mobile applications, data management systems, and orchestration components. Coordination, ethics, dissemination, exploitation, and regulatory planning activities were discussed, helping to define clear priorities for the months ahead. Moving forward The meeting concluded with a summary of agreed actions and priorities for the next project phase. Partners will now focus on advancing preparations for the deployment of clinical studies, addressing open technical and methodological issues, strengthening coordination across the ecosystem, and continuing dissemination, exploitation, and regulatory planning activities. Consorcio_iPROLEPSIS20251209143206.jpg 2.jpg IMG_0254.jpg Consorcio_iPROLEPSIS20251209143206.jpg 1/9 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK State-of-the-art analysis and datasets landscape Nov 6, 2023 Initial review, focusing on the state-of-the-art literature and existing datasets in the field of PsA Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis occurring in patients with PsO. The disease manifestation can be heterogeneous between subjects, and the resulting musculoskeletal impairment can interfere with physical function as well as the quality of life of patients. In a collaborative effort, the iPROLEPSIS partners completed an initial extensive review, focusing on the state-of-the-art literature and existing datasets in the field of PsA, with a special focus on flare dynamics. The primary goal was to enhance the understanding of PsA by investigating disease symptoms, factors associated with flares, and markers for disease development and monitoring. The insights gained from the literature will provide background for various aspects of iPROLEPSIS research, such as investigating PsA inflammation drivers and monitoring, developing the iPROLEPSIS digital health ecosystem for personalised preventive care, and conducting clinical studies. Moreover, various multi-source datasets have been identified that can potentially yield valuable information for the discovery of PsA inflammation drivers and the development of novel digital biomarkers and predictive models for disease monitoring and progression prognosis. The identified datasets will be assessed for relevancy and usability, retrieved, harmonised and curated. These datasets and predictive models will contribute to the research on PsA monitoring and inflammation drivers. In addition, the identified existing datasets will also guide the development of the Lifestyle AI-driven recommendation system and the Serious Games. The key takeaways are: Fatigue, pain and stiffness are commonly reported symptoms in PsA Flare may be triggered by alterations in mood, stress, sleep, bowel movements, and environmental factors Flare may affect mood, stress, sleep, bowel movements, physical activity and fine motor skills Certain symptoms of PsA may also trigger or be triggered by flare Clinical measurements of PsA symptoms and hypothesized flare associated factors, mainly include questionnaires The use of smartphone and wearables to monitor physical activity (mainly through accelerometer data), fine motor skills (through keystroke dynamics), heart rate, heart rate variability have also shown potential to measure PsA symptoms and hypothesized flare associated factors Electrography techniques can also be used in the assessment of certain symptoms and flare associated factors Genetic factors may contribute to development of PsA, pain perception and response to treatment. Gut microbiome may be involved in PsA. MCs in skin are suggested to play a role in skin inflammation Monitoring of PsA can be achieved through clinical examination for inflamed joints, enthesitis dactylitis, nail and skin and subsequent calculation of relative indices and composite scores Imaging-based approaches including images obtained from smartphones and optoacoustics represent a complementary or alternative approach to clinical assessment Data-driven models can serve to find predictive relations even when the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood or are too complex. Recommendations and SGs present a potential approach to modify and improve diet and physical activity Besides diet and physical activity, SGs can also address other aspects of disease, including medication adherence, social support, cognition, breathing, biological and neural function OMOP CDM was opted to be used for standardising the datasets Future steps include an update on state-of-the-art literature and measurement tools on the topics covered by initial research and the identification of new datasets that could be relevant for data-driven models. News & Events iPROLEPSIS - news.png News & Events iPROLEPSIS - news.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

< BACK The miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker App Now Available for Android Devices on Google Play Store Sep 25, 2024 A New Tool for Assessing Physical Function in Psoriatic Arthritis As of 25 September 2024, the miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker app is available for Android devices on the Google Play Store. This app is a research app that accompanies the miPROLEPSIS app and aims to assess the physical functioning of people with Psoriatic Arthritis. More specifically, a set of 6 hand and body exercises are given and the user is asked to perform them in front of the smartphone camera. The app uses the collected videos to extract skeletal data (coordinates of skeletal joints), which are then sent to a cloud for further processing. Through the skeletal data processing, the aim is to identify whether a patient with Psoriatic Arthritis have difficulties in performing certain hand and body actions. miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker - Apps on Google Play 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT