FRI0703-HPR INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Background Aerobic capacity is a measure of the functional capacity of the oxygen system and the cardiopulmonary system. In Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) patients, aerobic capacity is lower than healthy peers, and this is due to inflammation, muscle atrophy and peripheral muscle weakness, fatigue, low physical activity level, negatively affected respiratory function, peripheral arthritis, decreasing chest expansion and respiratory muscle strength. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on functional status and aerobic capacity in individuals with AS. Methods Twenty-eight voluntary individuals diagnosed with AS according to Modifie New York Criteria who applied to Pamukkale University Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology were included in the study. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups, as there would be aerobic exercise training (n=17; mean age=46.58±11.94years) and supervised exercises group (n=11; mean age=42.54±8.75years). All assessments were done before and after the training. After the demographic characteristics and disease related data of the individuals were recorded; for the functional status, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) were used. Six-minute walk test(6MWT) was used for the assessment of aerobic capacity. Group I was attended 40 min aerobic exercises sessions (5-min warm up, 30-min treadmil, 5-min cool down), plus supervised spinal mobilite exercises and Group II was attended only supervised spinal mobilite exercises per day, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks. Data were analysed Wilcoxan and Mann Whitney U Test. Results After training aerobic exercise group, BASMI (p=.021), BASDAI (p=.002) and 6MWT(p=.036) results were statistically significant, while the difference was not significant in BASFI (p=.068). It was observed that there was no significant difference in the after training period in the supervised exercises group. BASDAI, in group aerobic exercise group had improved more significantly when compared to supervised exercises group. Conclusion As a result of the study, it was noted that when aerobic exercise training applied together with the supervised exercises in ankylosing spondylitis patients, effectiveness on mainly disease activity, spinal mobility and aerobic capacity was increased. Key words: Ankylosing spondylitis, aerobic exercise training, supervised exercised.