The Recovery Physical Therapy Effects upon the Ventilation Dysfunction in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Purpose - The evaluation of the ventilation function improval in patients with ankylosing spondylitis following the medical recovery procedures. Methods - The study included 24 patients that were diagnosed with AS stages I and IV that were monitored for 24 months. We recorded ventilation functional tests, respiratory gas levels, thorax involvement in inspiration and expiration, the medical, physical and balneotherapy that they had followed. The activity of the disease was evaluated using the BASDAI score. The evaluation of the functional disability was based on the BASFI score and the life quality needed the QLQ questionnaire. The age of the disease has started was also considered. Results - The study included 24 patients, 22 men and two women (11/1 men/female ratio), ages between 35 and 55 years. The disease has begun 18 plus or minus 2 years before. After 24 months a significant improval was noticed concerning the restrictive ventilation dysfunction specific parameters and also an increase of oxygen pressure by 7 plus or minus 2 mmHg. Conclusions - The constant and correct application of respiration recovery and the spine mobility procedures lead to better life quality regarding the patients with AS and the main parameters that evaluate ventilation dysfunction.