Analysis of Physical Therapy in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of physical therapy methods used in AS patients. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 30 individuals with ankylosing spondylitis aged 30 to 67 years, including 5 women and 25 men. The mean age was 43.4 years in women and 41.76 years in men. The largest patient group consisted of men aged 30 to 40 years. All patients lived in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. The study used a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire created by the authors. Study patients underwent physical therapy in the form of electrotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, magnetic field therapy, cryotherapy, kinesiotherapy and massage. Results: The study showed that physical therapy reduced pain severity and increased the level of everyday functioning. Both the sign test (p-value≈0) and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p-value≈0) showed a significant difference in pain severity measured before rehabilitation vs. after rehabilitation (significance level, α=0.05). Conclusions: Physical therapy and rehabilitation is a key part of treatment in this group of patients.