Exercise in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

Seronegative spondyloarthritis is a progressive inflammatory disease with a wide and varied range of symptoms. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by pain and structural changes. Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by functional disorders such as reduced mobility and axial deformity, leading to a decrease in patient quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide basic information on therapeutic options for exercise in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Therapeutic exercise is the most important non-pharmacological intervention in patients. In addition to positive metabolic effects, exercise also plays an important role in improving spinal mobility and muscle strength. Maintaining proper postural posture appears to play a key role in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Muscle contraction stimulates and promotes the secretion of cytokines called myokines. The best known is interleukin-6 (IL-6). This myokine also acts indirectly in the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Exercise improves quality of life, physical condition, and symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis.