OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of six-month home-based exercise and supervised training on patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: Subjects were allocated randomly to an exercise group (EG) and a control group (CG). Patients in EG received home-base flexibility exercises and exercise therapy supervised by a physiotherapist for six months, while those in CG received conventional treatment. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and quality of life measured by SF-36V2 were assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, BASMI, BASDAI, BASFI and PF, RP, BP, GH, VT and MH of SF-36V2 scores were improved in EG (p < 0.05), while only BASDAI and VT in CG (p < 0.05). At 6 months, compared with CG, the EG exhibited significant differences in PF, RP, BP, GH, VT, SF and MH: PF 13.656 (4.320 to 22.991), RP 16.741 (4.968 to 28.515), BP 14.242 (1.990 to 26.493), GH 11.853 (2.095 to 21.611), VT 9.373 (3.145 to 15.602), SF 11.276 (0.465 to 22.087), MH9.330 (0.902 to 17.758). CONCLUSION: The home-based exercise and supervised training can improve the spinal mobility, physical function and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PDF locator
• publisher