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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Rib cage motion in ankylosing spondylitis patients: a pilot study
Maria Ragnarsdottir1, Arni Jon Geirsson, Bjorn Gudbjornsson
1Department of Rehabilitation, Landspitali University Hospital, Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. mariara@landspitali.is
Summary
Ankylosing Spondylitis patients show reduced upper chest expansion but normal lower chest and abdominal movement. This study utilized a new laser-based instrument to measure respiratory movements.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chest expansion is a key measure for assessing Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) rib cage mobility.
- A novel instrument for measuring respiratory movements has been developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare chest and abdominal wall movements in AS patients versus controls.
- To evaluate a new instrument for respiratory movement assessment.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 14 male AS patients and age/gender/BMI-matched healthy controls.
- Respiratory movements of the upper and lower chest wall and abdomen were measured bilaterally using a laser-based instrument (ReMo).
- Measurements were taken during 1 minute of deep breathing.
Main Results:
- AS patients exhibited significantly reduced upper thoracic respiratory movements compared to controls (p=.01 right, p=.05 left).
- Lower thoracic and abdominal movements were within the normal range for AS patients.
- Respiratory movement patterns were symmetrical in AS patients.
Conclusions:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is associated with diminished upper thoracic mobility.
- Lower thoracic and abdominal wall movements remain normal in AS patients.
- The new laser-based instrument effectively differentiates respiratory movement patterns in AS.
