Background Although there is the emphasis on the importance of lifelong regular exercise to improve the efficacy of medication in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, there is a lack of information about the safe exercise dosage in clinical practice.

Objectives In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise protocols on functional status and aerobic capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods Thirty-one ankylosing spondylitis patients were evaluated and grouped according to their arrival order. Patients’ spinal mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Mobility Index), disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), flexibility (back scratch test), pulmonary functions (forced vital capacity with pulmonary function test, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures with respiratory muscle strength test), aerobic capacity (oxygen consumption test with submaximal modified Bruce protocol), fatigue level (Fatigue Severity Scale) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed. Group 1 (n=16) did both aerobic training and clinical pilates exercises, while group 2 (n=15) only did aerobic training. Patients did exercises for 8 weeks, 3 days a week under the supervision of a physiotherapist and then measurements were repeated.

Results According to the measurements, it was found that disease activity level, respiratory muscle strength was improved (p<0.05) in both groups. When clinical pilates exercise was given additionally to aerobic training spinal mobility (BASMI score), upper extremities flexibility, forced vital capacity, fatigue severity and sleep quality (p<0.05) was also improved.

Conclusions As a result of the study, it was noted that when clinical pilates exercises applied together with the aerobic exercise training in ankylosing spondylitis patients, effectiveness on functional status and aerobic capacity was increased.

Disclosure of Interest None declared