OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a progressive muscle strengthening program using a Swiss ball for AS patients. METHODS: Sixty patients with AS were randomized into the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Eight exercises were performed by the IG patients with free weights on a Swiss ball two times per week for 16 weeks. The evaluations were performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline and after 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks using the following instruments: the one-repetition maximum test (1 RM), BASMI, BASFI, HAQ-S, SF-36, 6-minute walk test, time up and go test, BASDAI, ASDAS, ESR and CRP dosage and Likert scale. RESULTS: There was a statistical difference between groups for: strength (1 RM capacity) in the following exercises: abdominal, rowing, squat, triceps and reverse fly (p < 0.005); 6-minute walk test (p < 0.001); timed up and go test (p = 0.025) and Likert scale (p < 0.001), all of them with better results for the IG. No differences were observed between the groups with respect to the functional capacity evaluation using the BASFI, HAQ-S, BASMI, SF-36, TUG, ASDAS, ESR and CPR dosage. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive muscle strengthening using a Swiss ball is effective for improving muscle strength and walking performance in patients with AS.

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