Postural control is altered in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neurology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis causes chronic inflammation, leading to joint stiffness and impaired mobility.
• Vertebral ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis can affect standing postural control.
• Limited research exists on postural control changes in ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in quiet standing postural control in ankylosing spondylitis patients.
• To explore the relationship between postural control and clinical measures of disease activity.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen ankylosing spondylitis patients and 17 controls completed quiet standing trials.
• Center of pressure (COP) displacement and frequency were measured using force platforms.
• COP measures were correlated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Metrology Index.

Main Results:

• Ankylosing spondylitis patients showed greater COP displacement and altered frequency in the frontal and sagittal planes.
• Increased frontal plane COP displacement was observed in ankylosing spondylitis patients with eyes closed.
• COP measures significantly correlated with functional and metrology indices of ankylosing spondylitis.

Conclusions:

• Postural control is altered in ankylosing spondylitis, especially in the frontal plane, potentially increasing fall risk.
• Posturography can be a valuable tool for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis progression and status.