The results of this review suggest that an individual home-based or supervised exercise program is better than no intervention ; that supervised group physiotherapy is better than home exercises ; and that combined inpatient spa-exercise therapy followed by group physiotherapy is better than group physiotherapy alone
BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) is a chronic , inflammatory rheumatic disease .
Physiotherapy is considered an important part of the overall management of AS .
OBJECTIVES To summarise the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in the management of AS .
Home exercise and compliance in inflammatory rheumatic diseases--a prospective clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE To survey and to compare the one year effects of dynamic muscle training and progressive muscle relaxation as home exercise for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases ; and to identify predictors for compliance with a longterm home exercise regimen . METHODS Fifty-four patients ( mean age 54 yrs , mean symptom duration 14 yrs ) were assessed for health related quality of life , exercise motivation , joint tenderness , and physical capacities .  After r and omization into 2 groups , every patient was instructed on one occasion in a 30 min program of either dynamic training or muscle relaxation to carry out at home , 5 times a week during 3 months , and then 2 - 3 times a week for another 9 months . RESULTS Seventeen patients in each group completed the one year exercise protocol , while 10 from each group did not . Compliance with the one year exercise regimen seemed to be predicted by high self-efficacy for exercise , regular range-of-motion exercises before the intervention , and being unmarried . After one year , minor improvements in physical effect ( p < or = 0.05 ) and work effect ( p < or = 0.05 ) were found in the dynamic training group , while minor improvements in pain effect ( p < or = 0.05 ) , emotional reactions ( p < or = 0.05 ) , and arm endurance ( p < or = 0.01 ) were found in the muscle relaxation group . No differences between the groups regarding changes in health status , joint tenderness , or physical capacities during the intervention period were found . CONCLUSION These results may improve the selection of patients for home exercise , and form a basis for improved administration of home exercise programs
The results of this review suggest that an individual home-based or supervised exercise program is better than no intervention ; that supervised group physiotherapy is better than home exercises ; and that combined inpatient spa-exercise therapy followed by group physiotherapy is better than group physiotherapy alone
BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) is a chronic , inflammatory rheumatic disease .
Physiotherapy is considered an important part of the overall management of AS .
OBJECTIVES To summarise the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in the management of AS .