Exercise Improves Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Working with an exercise ball significantly improved muscle strength and ability to walk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), did not worsen disease activity, and increased well-being, according to a new study.
“Although exercise is recommended for AS patients, its benefits have not been clearly defined, and patients can be reluctant to try it,” said lead investigator Marcelo de Souza, PT, MSc, from the Federal University of Sao Paolo in Brazil, in a press release
His colleague, Fabio Jennings, MD, also from the University of Sao Paolo, presented the study results here at the European League Against Rheumatism Congress 2013.
All 60 patients had received at least 3 months of standard drug treatment before study enrollment and continued their medication during the study. Thirty patients were randomized to an exercise program with the exercise ball and 30 were randomized to no prescribed exercise and served as the control group.