Exercise therapy for spondyloarthritis: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the spine and joints.
• Therapeutic exercise is often recommended, but its effectiveness across various outcomes in SpA requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of therapeutic exercise on pain, stiffness, quality of life, physical function, disease activity, fitness, and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with SpA.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, EMBASE) was conducted up to October 2013.
• Included were randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials involving adults with SpA and exercise interventions.
• Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and PEDro scale; a qualitative synthesis was performed due to heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• Moderate evidence supports exercise for improving physical function, disease activity, and chest expansion.
• Low-level evidence suggests benefits for pain, stiffness, spinal mobility, and cardiorespiratory function.
• Supervised group exercise demonstrated superior outcomes compared to unsupervised home exercise.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic exercise is beneficial for adults with ankylosing spondylitis, a subtype of SpA.
• Evidence for other SpA subtypes is currently unknown.
• Further research is needed to clarify the most effective exercise protocols for SpA management.