Comparison of two different pilates exercise methods in individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A randomized...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
• Limited research compares the effectiveness of different Pilates modalities for AS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of mat Pilates versus reformer Pilates in individuals diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Main Methods:

• Twenty AS patients were randomized into two groups: mat Pilates (n=10) and reformer Pilates (n=10).
• Both groups underwent supervised Pilates sessions twice weekly for four weeks.
• Evaluations included spinal mobility (BASMI), disease activity (BASDAI), functionality (BASFI), quality of life (ASQoL), enthesitis (MASES), fatigue (MAF), and biopsychosocial status (BETY-BQ) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both mat and reformer Pilates groups showed significant improvements in several outcome measures.
• The reformer Pilates group demonstrated significant improvements in cervical rotation, tragus-to-wall distance, overall spinal mobility, disease activity, quality of life, enthesitis, fatigue, and biopsychosocial status.
• Statistically greater improvements were observed in the reformer Pilates group for disease activity (BASDAI) and fatigue (MAF) compared to the mat Pilates group.

Conclusions:

• Four weeks of either mat or reformer Pilates provide significant benefits for individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• Reformer Pilates appears to offer superior benefits in reducing disease activity and fatigue compared to mat Pilates in AS patients.