Effect of a Specific Exercise Program on Spinal and Joints Stiffness for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

Abstract: Regular exercises are of fundamental importance in the successful long-term management of Ankylosing Spondylitis. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of a specific exercise program on spinal and joints stiffness for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Design: Quasi experimental research design was utilized. Subjects: Random sample of adult patients (30), male and female, their age ranging from 20 – 60 years old. Setting: Rheumatology and rehabilitation department and outpatients’ clinics at Assiut University Hospital. Tools: Interview Questionnaire consisted of four parts; patient assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Health assessment Questionnaire for spondyloarthropathies, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index. Results: statistically significant difference between pre and post-test mean score of bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (66.66 ± 6.29 and 37.66 ± 4.78) respectively with p. value (0.0001), health assessment questionnaire for spondyloarthropathies (45.333 ± 9.20 pre versus 22.066 ± 2.148 post) with p. value (0.006), and bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index with pre and post-test mean score (4.640 ± 0.870 and 1.413 ± 0.319) respectively with p. value (p= 0.0001).Conclusion: the specific exercise program has a valuable effect on patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis on their physical function, and stiffness (mobility of the axial skeleton). Recommendations; Applying the specific exercise program on the patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis at different rehabilitation units to decrease the spinal and joint stiffness.