There was no important clinical meaningful benefit .
Adverse effectsWe found very low- quality evidence of the effect of exercise versus either no intervention , or usual care .
We found moderate- to low- quality evidence that exercise programmes probably slightly improve function , may reduce pain , and probably slightly reduce global patient assessment of disease activity , when compared with no intervention , and measured upon completion of the programme .
We found moderate- to low- quality evidence that exercise programmes probably have little or no effect on improving function or reducing pain , when compared with usual care , and may have little or no effect on reducing patient assessment of disease activity , when measured upon completion of the programmes .
We are uncertain whether exercise programmes improve spinal mobility , reduce fatigue , or induce adverse effects
BACKGROUND Exercise programmes are often recommended for managing ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) , to reduce pain and improve or maintain functional capacity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of exercise programmes for people with AS .
Effects of home-based daily exercise therapy on joint mobility, daily activity, pain, and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
We investigated the effects of home-based daily exercise on joint mobility , functional capacity , pain , and depression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) . The patients were r and omly assigned to a wait-list control group or to an exercise-therapy group . The exercise-therapy group performed a 20-min exercise program once per day for 8 consecutive weeks . After 8 weeks , compared with the control group , the exercise group showed improvements in joint mobility ( cervical flexion , extension , shoulder flexion , abduction , hip abduction , and knee flexion ) , finger – floor distance , and functional capacity . Pain and depression scores were significantly lower after the exercise program in the exercise group than in the control group . These findings indicate that exercise therapy increases joint mobility and functional capacity , and decreases pain and depression in patients with AS .  Home-based exercise , which is easily accessible to patients , might be an effective intervention for AS
There was no important clinical meaningful benefit .
Adverse effectsWe found very low- quality evidence of the effect of exercise versus either no intervention , or usual care .
We found moderate- to low- quality evidence that exercise programmes probably slightly improve function , may reduce pain , and probably slightly reduce global patient assessment of disease activity , when compared with no intervention , and measured upon completion of the programme .
We found moderate- to low- quality evidence that exercise programmes probably have little or no effect on improving function or reducing pain , when compared with usual care , and may have little or no effect on reducing patient assessment of disease activity , when measured upon completion of the programmes .
We are uncertain whether exercise programmes improve spinal mobility , reduce fatigue , or induce adverse effects
BACKGROUND Exercise programmes are often recommended for managing ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) , to reduce pain and improve or maintain functional capacity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of exercise programmes for people with AS .