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  • Seasons Greetings from iPROLEPSIS | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Seasons Greetings from iPROLEPSIS Dec 23, 2025 Happy holidays and best wishes for the year ahead! We wish you a warm and peaceful holiday season. May the coming year bring good health, positive moments, and new opportunities. Happy holidays! iPROLEPSIS iPROLEPSIS Happy Holidays.png iPROLEPSIS Happy Holidays.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Project Apps for Download | iPROLEPSIS

    Download iProlepsis project applications for psoriatic arthritis. Apps for download miPROLEPSIS app The miPROLEPSIS app facilitates the iPROLEPSIS-PDPID multicenter clinical study as a data collection tool that will enable the development of digital biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis symptoms and predictive models for inflammation exacerbation. More specifically, the app performs (i) passive data collection from the sensors of the smartwatch used in the study (i.e., Garmin Vivoactive 5), (ii) passive data collection from the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors of the smartphone, (iii) patient reported outcomes via questionnaires. Moreover, the app includes (i) a custom keyboard that captures the user’s typing dynamics and (ii) photo- and video-based activities for the collection of hand/feet photos and skeletal data related to joints flexibility, respectively. Note: The app can be used only by psoriatic arthritis patients that have enrolled to the PDPID study. This enrollment is available for patients in the UK, Netherlands, Portugal, and Greece. Information on how to enroll in the study and gain access to the miPROLEPSIS app will be provided soon. miPROLEPSIS app The miPROLEPSIS PDPID Study application functions as a data collection tool, utilized during the PDPID study, in order to produce datasets used for model generation and training. The app utilises both continuous and unobtrusive data collection (via bluetooth) from wearable devices, as well as user interactions (questionnaires, reporting etc). miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker app The miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker is an accompanying app of the miPROLEPSIS app that enables the video-based active tests feature. More specifically, a set of 6 hand and body movement exercises are presented and the user is asked to perform them in front of the smartphone camera. The app captures the videos and extracts skeletal data (coordinates of skeletal joints) locally. The skeletal data will be further analysed to develop digital biomarkers that assess the functionality and flexibility of joints. Note: The miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker app cannot be used without the miPROLEPSIS app. miPROLEPSIS Joint Landmarker app 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. The videos are immediately discarded and no personal information is retained, saved or transmitted.

  • Clinical Studies | iPROLEPSIS

    iPROLEPSIS project will perform four different clinical studies in four different counties. Learn more about clinical studies by visiting iprolepsis.eu. About clinical studies iPROLEPSIS will perform four different clinical studies: 1. iPROLEPSIS-PDPID PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study. 2. iPROLEPSIS-MOJMI Mast cells and optoacoustics-enabled joint and microvascular imaging study. 3. iPROLEPSIS-IDBV Inflammation digital biomarkers validation study. 4. iPROLEPSIS-PPIDC Prevention of PsA inflammation through digital care: an intervention study. Clinical studies will be conducted in 5 countries: Netherlands UK Portugal Greece Germany Clinical studies PsA digital phenotyping and inflammation drivers study (iPROLEPSIS-PDPID) Definition of novel optoacoustic biomarkers of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (iPROLEPSIS-MOJMI) Inflammation digital biomarkers validation study (iPROLEPSIS-IDBV) Prevention of PsA inflammation through digital care: an intervention study (iPROLEPSIS-PPIDC)

  • Clinical Experts | iPROLEPSIS

    Clinical experts team Gail Heritage University of Oxford Position Senior Research Manager What is your role in iPROLEPSIS? UK PDPID coordinating center Manager What are your main activities in the project? UK Study manager What is your motivation? Contribution to clinical research to enhance patient experiences and disease outcomes. Francesca Levi-Schaffer The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Position Professor What is your role in iPROLEPSIS? Researcher What are your main activities in the project? To try to understand the passage from psoriasis to psoriatic arthritis by evaluating in skin biopsies vascularization, mast cell presence and to correlate this with involved joint vascularization What is your motivation? I would like to discover the connections between skin and joints and find a drug/s that can inhabit this progression Laura Coates Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford Position NIHR Research Professor What is your role in iPROLEPSIS? Lead for WP5 (clinical studies) What are your main activities in the project? I oversee all of the clinical studies within the consortium. What is your motivation? I am a rheumatologist who has worked in research in psoriatic arthritis for around 20 years. My interest is in improving outcomes for people living with psoriatic arthritis and I believe that work in this project can help us to predict, monitor and understand the disease better in day to day clinics. Coordination Clinical Experts Data Science Software Development Ethics, Legal and Exploitation Dissemination and Communication

  • Intimacy, Reproductive Health | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook Intimacy, Reproductive Health and Family Life Handbook How will psoriatic arthritis affect me? RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX Psoriatic arthritis can present a number of challenges in a relationship, namely: reduce your enjoyment of sex and other activities you share with your partner; affect your mood and self-esteem; impact your ability to contribute to household and family related duties; lead to financial worries if your condition affects your ability to work. Although your relationship may change because of psoriatic arthritis, you should remember that most couples go through phases in their relationship that are more or less positive, depending on a number of factors such as stress, work-life balance, or other health conditions. See related Key Facts section h4.1 h4.3 Talking to your partner about any changes or challenges you may be facing is a great way to improve communication in the relationship and arrive at solutions to please both of you. If you are not in a relationship and worry about how your condition may affect your prospects of finding a romantic partner, especially if you have visible signs of the condition, keep in mind that most relationships develop gradually and that shared interests are more important than physical considerations. While sex will not make your psoriatic arthritis worse, it can sometimes be painful when you move an affected joint. Besides the physical aspect, psoriatic arthritis may decrease your sex drive, affect your self- confidence, or make you feel less attractive. Psoriatic arthritis can sometimes lead to a dry vagina, and thus to uncomfortable sex. If this is the case, water-based lubricants can help you and/or your partner. Oil-based lubricants may irritate your skin or damage condoms. To help you overcome difficulties with sex, you should: talk openly with your partner about your physical and/or emotional concerns; keep active as physical exercise can help you strengthen your muscles and support your joints; take painkillers approximately one hour before having sex to minimise pain; try different positions and use cushions, pillows, or furniture to support your body; remember that there are multiple ways to achieve sexual satisfactions, such as kissing, caressing, mutual masturbation, oral stimulation, or even sex aids such as vibrators. See related Key Facts section FERTILITY, PREGNANCY, AND BREASTFEEDING If you are planning to start a family, you should discuss your treatment plan with your rheumatologist, as some medications are not safe in pregnancy. It is completely normal to feel concerned about the effect of your condition on your ability to start a family. People with arthritis may take slightly longer to become pregnant. It is best to try for a baby when your condition is not very active. There is a genetic contribution to psoriatic arthritis, that is, the presence of certain genes makes a person more likely to develop the condition. However, this is not a strictly hereditary condition. There are many factors involved in the development of psoriatic arthritis, not just the genes inherited from parents. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases the chances of passing it on to your children are relatively low. FERTILITY In women, there is no evidence to support that psoriatic arthritis affects fertility (51). However, a recent study indicated that untreated inflammatory arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, may decrease male fertility (52). In both women and men, fertility does decrease with age or may be affected by other health conditions. h4.2 Therefore, some people living with psoriatic arthritis will need fertility treatments. If your psoriatic arthritis is under control, there should be no problem to initiate fertility treatments. Discuss any plans for fertility treatments with your rheumatologist. They can offer specific advice, review your treatment plan, and liaise with the medical team responsible for your fertility treatment. See related Key Facts section PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING Discuss your plans to start a family with your rheumatologist so that your treatment plan can be adjusted. If you become pregnant unexpectedly, talk to your rheumatologist as soon as possible. All women get aches and pains during pregnancy. As the baby grows, you may feel additional strain on some of your joints, especially on your hips and knees. While there is not a lot of information on the effects of pregnancy in psoriatic arthritis, studies have shown that the majority of women living with rheumatoid arthritis experience some form of symptom improvement during pregnancy. However, some women will have a flare after giving birth. Psoriatic arthritis usually does not affect delivery and you can still give birth through your vagina. If you are considering a caesarean, you should discuss this with your doctors (rheumatologist and obstetrician). It may be necessary to stop some of your medications before the surgery. You should continue anti-rheumatic drugs that are safe in pregnancy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This will reduce your chances of any complications during pregnancy and will make flares less likely after giving birth. Many mothers feel sad, tearful, or anxious in the first two weeks after having a baby. However, if these symptoms last for longer or start later on, you may have post-natal depression, which affects 1 in 10 women after giving birth. It is important to seek medical help if you feel this way. See related Key Facts section h4.4 Remember that you are not alone. If you need extra support, please speak to your GP or Health Visitor. More information can be found below: NHS Mental Health Services https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ NHS Postnatal Depression https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/ Be kind to your joints and your mind. See related Key Facts Previous page Next page

  • Project Consortium | iPROLEPSIS

    The consortium of iProlepsis project for psoriatic arthritis consists of 15 partners from 9 countries. Discover more about project by visiting our website. About consortium partners iPROLEPSIS project coordinator Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Consortium consists of 15 partners from 9 countries. iPROLEPSIS consortium partners

  • World Psoriasis Day: iPROLEPSIS featured by HaDEA | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK World Psoriasis Day: iPROLEPSIS featured by HaDEA Oct 29, 2025 On World Psoriasis Day, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) highlights how the iPROLEPSIS project is advancing early detection and personalised care for psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause irreversible joint damage if left undiagnosed or untreated. To address this challenge, iPROLEPSIS is developing AI-driven predictive models and digital tools that help identify individuals at risk, enable earlier diagnosis, and support more personalised treatment pathways. In a recent interview with Prof. Leontios Hadjileontiadis , project coordinator, HaDEA explores how iPROLEPSIS brings together clinicians, researchers, and data scientists to transform psoriatic arthritis management across Europe. The discussion covers the project’s use of AI and biological data to build comprehensive patient profiles, its collaborative approach between dermatology and rheumatology, and the importance of EU funding and ethical, cross-border cooperation in enabling innovation. Read the full article on HaDEA’s website: https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/news/world-psoriasis-day-exploration-how-horizon-europe-project-improving-early-detection-psoriatic-2025-10-29_en World Psoriasis Day 2025.png World Psoriasis Day 2025.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Key Facts | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Key Facts keyfacts 1 Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis Learn what psoriatic arthritis is, how it’s connected to psoriasis, what symptoms to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, and how to recognise a flare. f1.1 f1.2 See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f1.3 f1.5 F1.4 keyfacts 2 Managing Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatments and Lifestyle Learn how psoriatic arthritis is treated through medications, non-pharmacological treatments, and everyday lifestyle choices that support health and wellbeing. See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f2.1 f2.2 f2.3 f2.4 f2.5 keyfacts 3 Living with Psoriatic Arthritis Everyday tips for balancing work, improving sleep, managing fatigue, and supporting mental wellbeing. f3.1 See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f3.2 f3.3 f3.4 key facts 4 Intimacy, Reproductive Health and Family Life Understanding how psoriatic arthritis may affect relationships, sexual and reproductive health, and family planning decisions. See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section See related Handbook section f4.1 f4.2 f4.3 f4.4

  • Living with Psoriatic Arthritis | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook Living with Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook How will psoriatic arthritis affect me? WORK Work can provide a sense of purpose, identity, achievement, and a supportive social network, contributing positively to your emotional and physical wellbeing. While your condition may pose some challenges, people living with psoriatic arthritis can continue to work as long as their profession does not exacerbate their symptoms and worsen their health. People with certain health conditions have defined rights set out in law, designed to protect them against direct and indirect discrimination in the workplace. Your employer is legally obligated to make “reasonable accommodations” to your working environment and practices to ensure your condition does not prevent you from doing your job to the best of your ability and in a comfortable and safe environment. h3.1 In the European Union, the definition of reasonable accommodation at work was introduced by Article 5 of the Employment Equality Directive (Directive 2000/28/EC): “shall take appropriate measures, where needed in a particular case, to enable a person with disability to have access to, participate in, or advance in employment, or to undergo training, unless such measures would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer.” This directive has been transposed into national law in all EU member states. Research has shown that people who need workplace accommodations and effectively use them are more likely to keep a job and stay productive than those who do not use workplace accommodations (39). However, asking for workplace accommodations can be difficult. You may be concerned about being treated differently and negative reactions from your supervisor(s) or colleague(s). For this reason, you may prefer to negotiate informal workplace accommodations rather than seeking formal accommodations. Some of these accommodations may include those supported by the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for physical activity and public health (40) and the ISO 11226 standard , https://www. iso.org/standard/25573.html , which defines joint limits to safeguard musculoskeletal health. By aligning workplace practices with these scientifically supported guidelines, employers and healthcare professionals can better accommodate the needs of their employees, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Some examples follow: Recommendation #1: Avoid working for prolonged periods in the same position, whether sitting or standing. During the work shift: a continuous period of time in the standing position should not exceed 1 hour; the total time spent in a standing position should not exceed 4 hours; continuous sitting should be limited to 2 hours; when periods are dedicated to holding meetings, the duration of which should be reasonable, consideration should be given to the possibility of having them while standing or walking (41). Recommendation #2: Take frequent breaks throughout the shift. Please note that he definition of “breaks” must consider the following characteristics: Frequency: number of breaks/interruptions during the working day; Duration: micro-breaks (less than 2 minutes); short breaks (typically those that occur in the morning or afternoon, lasting between 7 and 10 minutes); or long breaks (meal breaks); and Type: passive or resting and active (including stretching or walking) (42). Thus, in an 8-hour working day, a worker should take at least a 7–10-minute break after consecutive 90-minute work periods. Recovery periods can include moments of rest or the performance of any other task to recover the muscle groups that have been worked. Within a period of at least 90 minutes, a worker should enjoy at least 30 seconds after 20 minutes of work. Both recommendations aim to address the prolonged exposure to low-intensity static load by limiting the duration of this exposure. These interventions help to alleviate fatigue and pain symptoms in the short-term, and to prevent work-related musculoskeletal injuries in the long-term. Active breaks add value; however, they do not replace the need to introduce diversity in the intensity of the mechanical load, such as rotational planes suited to the job’s demands (43). Please note that these recommendations refer to low-intensity, physically demanding tasks. Other recommendations apply to high-intensity tasks, such as those involving manual force. Recommendation #3: Physical changes to workstations work surfaces (desks) that allow alternation between standing and sitting, alone or combined with a training and information program for workers, reduce sitting time by approximately 60 minutes per working day (in the medium term, i.e., up to 3-12 months). This change in physical working conditions can bring about a behavioural change, with repercussions in an average reduction of 82 minutes in total sitting time per day (at and away from work) and in the average duration of consecutive periods of sitting (57 minutes) (42, 44). Even though workplace adaptations are consigned in the law, many people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases report a lack of understanding from their employer(s), colleague(s), and workplace doctor(s). You have options and rights; it is important to understand them and fully explore all available alternatives. If you are unsure about your rights in the workplace, please get in touch with your HR or occupational health department. More information can be found below: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. (ACAS) https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments If you require workplace adaptations, please talk to your assistant doctor about the difficulties you have been feeling and request reports to present to your employer and/or workplace doctor. See related Key Facts section SLEEP Pain, anxiety, and side effects of the medication can make it more difficult for a person with psoriatic arthritis to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. In fact, about 40% of people living with psoriatic arthritis report sleep difficulties (45). Good sleep hygiene habits may help to improve sleep: develop a regular sleep routine, that is, go to bed and get up at a similar time each day; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before you go to bed; if you smoke, try to stop smoking, or at least do not smoke close to bedtime; a warm bath before bedtime may help ease pain and stiffness; listen to soothing music or sounds before going to bed; avoid watching TV and using computers, tablets, or smartphones in your bedroom; make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature. h3.2 The impact of exercising before bedtime can vary among individuals. It is essential to listen to your body, establish a consistent routine, and pay attention to how evening workouts affect your sleep patterns. If you have specific concerns about your sleep or exercise routine, it is also advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a fitness expert. Pros: Improved sleep quality: For some people, engaging in moderate-intensity exercises a few hours before bedtime may promote better sleep quality. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed state conducive to sleep. Body temperature regulation: Exercise increases body temperature, and the subsequent drop in temperature after exercise can signal the body that it is time to sleep. This mimics the natural temperature drop that occurs during the evening. Establishing a routine: Regular exercise, regardless of the time of day, can contribute to better sleep quality. Establishing a consistent exercise routine is often more important than the specific time of day. Cons: Stimulating effect: For some people, intense exercise close to bedtime may have a stimulating effect, making it more challenging to wind down and fall asleep. Body temperature: While the drop in body temperature after exercise can promote sleep, exercising too close to bedtime may disrupt the body’s natural cooling process, potentially interfering with sleep. Individual variability: People respond differently to exercise timing. Some may find that late-night workouts do not impact their sleep, while others may experience difficulties. Recommendations: Timing matters: Try to finish exercising at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to allow your body temperature to return to normal and your adrenaline levels to decrease. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to evening workouts. It might be a good fit for you if it helps you relax and improves your sleep. Experiment: Everyone is different. Experiment with varying timings of exercise to see what works best for you. If evening workouts negatively impact your sleep, consider shifting them earlier. Moderation is key: Intense or vigorous exercise close to bedtime might be more likely to interfere with sleep. Opt for moderate-intensity activities in the evening (47). Nearly 50% of patients living with psoriatic arthritis report high levels of fatigue (five or higher on a 10-point scale) and consider fatigue a high-ranking problem, after joint pain and before skin issues (48). See related Key Facts section FATIGUE Problem solving, planning, prioritising, and pacing may help you cope better with your fatigue: PROBLEM SOLVING Identify factors / tasks / chores / activities that are contributing to your fatigue; Think about solutions that could help minimise the impact of these factors/tasks/chores/ activities. PLANNING Plan the tasks/chores/activities you want to complete in a day or week; Make sure to include activities that you enjoy and can improve your mood/wellbeing; Do not beat yourself up if you cannot stick to the plan. PRIORITISING Organise your tasks/chores/activities by order of importance. PACING Do not use your energy all in one go; Break the planned tasks/chores/activities into smaller portions that can be spread out over the course of a day, a week or even longer. See related Key Facts section EMOTIONAL WELLBEING Living with psoriatic arthritis can take a toll on your mental health (49, 50). You need to treat mental health symptoms as seriously as physical symptoms. Poor mental health can cause your psoriatic arthritis to flare, increase pain and fatigue, negatively affect your work and personal relationships, and limit your ability to manage your overall health. If you feel sad, hopeless, and lose interest in things you used to enjoy, talk to your doctor, and let your loved ones know what you are going through. Your doctor may redirect you to useful mental health services such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and/or they may prescribe you an antidepressant. h3.3 h3.4 Remember that you are not alone. If you need extra support, we are here to help you: NHS Mental Health Services https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/ VERSUS ARTHRITIS / Psoriatic arthritis https://versusarthritis.org/ +44 800 520 0520 Be kind to your joints and your mind. See related Key Facts section See related Key Facts Previous page Next page

  • How will psoriatic arthritis affect me? Work | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search How will psoriatic arthritis affect me? Work See related Handbook section PREVIOUS NEXT

  • Learning Hub | iPROLEPSIS

    Learning how to live with psoriatic arthritis might feel like a challenge. But understanding your diagnosis can help you take control of your health. Learning Hub Explore resources to help you understand and manage psoriatic arthritis. Learning hub Key Facts Handbook News Feed Quizzes Search Psoriatic Arthritis Key Facts Key Facts Quizzes about Psoriatic Arthritis Take a Quiz Search about Psoriatic Arthritis Search Psoriatic Arthritis Handbook Handbook News Feed about Psoriatic Arthritis News Feed

  • Co-Designing Mobile Serious Games to Support Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Chronic Pain: Mixed Methods Study | iPROLEPSIS

    < BACK Co-Designing Mobile Serious Games to Support Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Chronic Pain: Mixed Methods Study Feb 3, 2026 New peer-reviewed publication from iPROLEPSIS A new paper "Co-Designing Mobile Serious Games to Support Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis and Chronic Pain: Mixed Methods Study" from the iPROLEPSIS project was published in JMIR Serious Games (Vol. 14, 2026). The study reports on the co-design and usability evaluation of NoPain Games, mobile serious games developed to support chronic pain management in people living with psoriatic arthritis. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a multidisciplinary co-creation session with clinical, research, and technical experts and a usability feedback session with patients with psoriatic arthritis. The findings highlight the value of co-design methodologies for developing accessible and patient-centred digital health interventions. 🔗 Publication: https://games.jmir.org/2026/1/e75072 iPROLEPSIS_publication_JMIR Serious Games.png iPROLEPSIS_publication_JMIR Serious Games.png 1/1 PREVIOUS NEXT

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