YouTube as a source of patient information for ankylosing spondylitis exercises

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic disorder characterized by structural impairments and postural deformities which restrict daily life activities. Nonpharmacologic methods, particularly exercise therapies, play a key role in the treatment. Obtaining online health-related information has become increasingly popular. We aimed to assess the quality of the most viewed YouTube videos on AS exercises.

We searched for the key words "ankylosing spondylitis exercise," "ankylosing spondylitis rehabilitation," "ankylosing spondylitis physical therapy," and "ankylosing spondylitis physiotherapy" on YouTube on October 10th, 2018. The educational quality of YouTube videos was evaluated according to the Global Quality Scale, and three groups were formed: high quality, intermediate, and low quality. Video parameters were compared between the groups.

Of the 56 videos evaluated, 48.2% (n = 27) were of high quality, 17.9% (n = 10) were of intermediate quality, and 33.9% (n = 19) were of low quality. When video parameters compared among the groups, no significant differences were found in the number of views per day, likes per day, and comments per day (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the number of dislikes per day and DISCERN scores between the groups (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively).

YouTube can be considered as an important source of high-quality videos. Nearly half of the videos were of high quality. Physicians should inform patients about the importance of video resources during the use of YouTube and should guide patients to the accurate sources of information.