[Physical exercise in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: a systematic review]

Abstract

Physical exercise (PE) is a regular component in various disorders management, such as ankylosing spondilitis (AS). AS is a chronic and systematic rheumatic disorder without an effective treatment to restore the health. PE plays an important role on the prevention and management of the deformities related to AS. This review summarizes the randomized controlled trials that have examined the role of PE in AS patients' therapeutic process in order to promote an evidence based practise and to improve the AS patients care. Thirteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 1056 participants were identified in a Cochrane Central, Pubmed/ Medline and PEDro databases computer-based search. The quality assessment of the thirteen randomized controlled trial was 5,62 points in the PEDro scoring scale. Three trials assessed the effects induced by the addition of PE interventions to the medication program, three trials compared individualized home exercise with supervised group exercise, five trials compared alternative exercise programs (hydrotherapy and global posture reeducation) with traditional exercise programs usually recommended to treat AS patients, and two trials investigated the therapy effectiveness. The trials included in this review suggest that PE is a helpful therapy in the management of AS patients; PE should be performed in group under the physiotherapist supervision. New exercise-based approaches, hydrotherapy or global posture reeducation, offers promising results in the management of patients suffering AS.