The effect(s) of a six-week home-based exercise program on the respiratory muscle and functional status in ankylosing spondylitis.

Ortancil O, Sarikaya S, Sapmaz P, Basaran A, Ozdolap S

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week home-based exercise program on the respiratory muscle and energy cost in AS. In twenty-two AS patients chest expansion, tragus-wall distance, modified Schober test, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, 6-minute walking distance, physiologic cost index and functional status Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index of patients were measured at baseline and repeated at the end of an open 6-week home-based exercise program. Breathing exercises and upper extremity exercises were taught to all the patients. The patients were then asked to practice these exercises at home individually for 6 weeks.

The authors concluded that a home-based exercise program can have an effect on some measures respiratory muscle and functional status. Greater emphasis should be placed on maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness as well as spinal mobility to encourage patients with AS.

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