[Bechterew disease and top level sport: an attainable combination?]

One 23-year-old and two 24- year-old athletes were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Because of their wish to compete in sport at the highest level, we considered the feasible extent and intensity of physical sports-load regarding the short-, middle- and long-term effects in this particular subgroup of ankylosing spondylitis patients. We could not find any published articles regarding the physical capacities of highly motivated athletes with ankylosing spondylitis. To give 'tailor made' advice to each athlete, we analysed these patients by using a standardized questionnaire, followed by analysis of the case history and a thorough physical examination. As a result we obtained an idea of the maximum individual feasible sports-load in relation to individual capacity for each athlete. Individual and disease characteristics, as well as the sport-specific physical load, can influence the physical capacity of the athlete. To register the effects of maximum sports-load in the middle and long term, and to work towards offering the best possible advice to athletes with ankylosing spondylitis, follow-up research in these 3 patients is advisable.