Rehabilitation in ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy
• Immunology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis management has advanced with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies.
• Nonpharmacologic therapies, particularly exercise, have a long history in treating ankylosing spondylitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent data on the role of exercise and nonpharmacologic therapies in ankylosing spondylitis.
• To assess the current evidence for nonpharmacologic interventions in ankylosing spondylitis management.

Main Methods:

• Review of six articles published since 2005.
• Analysis of randomized controlled trials and other study designs evaluating exercise and balneotherapy.
• Assessment of outcome measures, including validated scores and biologic markers.

Main Results:

• Multimodal and experimental exercise programs showed some short-term and prolonged benefits.
• Balneotherapy did not demonstrate significant medium-term improvements.
• Limited studies suggest exercise may influence cytokine production in ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusions:

• Exercise therapy is essential for ankylosing spondylitis, complementing medical treatments.
• There is a need for standardized approaches and control groups in exercise therapy research for ankylosing spondylitis.
• Exercise may have a biologic effect, warranting continued emphasis in treatment plans.