Article

AIMS: To evaluate effects of physiotherapeutic intervention in terms of self- and
manual mobilization on chest expansion, vital capacity, posture, spine mobility
and experienced consequences of the disease in patients with ankylosing
spondylitis. METHODS:
Thirty-two men, aged between 23 and 60 years, with ankylosing spondylitis were
randomized to active or no treatment for eight weeks. Physiotherapeutic
intervention included individualized self- and manual mobilization for 1 hour
twice a week and individually adjusted home exercises. Two blinded investigators
made the assessments of chest expansion, posture and spinal mobility before and
after the treatment period. The patient filled in three and the physiotherapist
one of the four Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis scales (BAS scales). RESULTS: In the
treatment group chest expansion increased at the level of processus xiphoideus
(P<0.01), with no difference in vital capacity compared with the control group.
The posture improved in the cervical (C7-wall distance) (P<0.001) and in the
thoracic spine (P<0.05). Thoracic and lumbar spine flexion improved (P<0.01) as
did sagittal range of motion P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively. The Bath
Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index total scoring improved (P<0.001) in the
treatment group compared with the control group. The other three BAS scales
showed no differences between groups. At four months follow-up of the treatment
group, cervical spine posture, lumbar flexion and range of motion as well as BAS
Metrology Index were still improved. CONCLUSION: This study shows that eight
weeks of self- and manual mobilization treatment improved chest expansion,
posture and spine mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Langue : ANGLAIS