One hundred patients with axial spondyloarthritis were randomized to receive either supervised intensive exercise (n=50) or standard care (n=50). Outcomes that were measured during this trial were exercise health beliefs using the Exercise Health Belief questionnaire, physical activity level (Nord-Trondelag Health Study), disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score; ASDAS), and physical function using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Significant differences were reported in exercise beliefs at 3 and 6 months with better scores in the exercise group. Self-efficacy was significantly better in the exercise group at 3 months compared to the control group, and impact on arthritis was also significantly better in the exercise group at 12 months.