The effectiveness of 10-Tai Chi movements in patients with ankylosing spondylitis receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by pain, functional deformities, negatively affecting quality of life. A previous study showed that Tai Chi had a positive effect on disease activity and flexibility of patients with AS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi exercises on disease activity, functionality, spinal mobility, quality of life and inflammatory markers in patients with AS. MethodsThis randomised controlled trial allocated 36 patients with AS to either a Tai Chi or a home exercise group using the block randomization. Both groups received a 1-h exercise program twice a week for 10 weeks and encouraged to practice at home. Outcome measures included: The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functionality Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) scales and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). ResultsAfter training, there was a statistically significant difference within groups for the Tai Chi and the home exercise groups for all parameters (p < 0.001) except for ESR and CRP. When the delta values were compared between the groups, BASDAI (p < 0.001), cervical rotation (p:0.02), and ASQoL (p < 0.001) were found to be significantly in favor of the Tai Chi group. No side-effects were noted during or after the exercise programs. ConclusionTai Chi should be considered for inclusion in rehabilitation programs as a safe alternative type of exercise to reduce disease activity, improve spinal mobility and quality of life in patients with AS. Trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03807180. Clinical trial numberNCT03807180.