Article

The aim of this study is to determine whether the postural changes in
ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affected postural stability. METHOD: A total of 64
patients with a diagnosis of AS and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the
study. The patients were divided into two groups according to a tragus-to-wall
distance<15 cm (Group I, n=30) and >or=15 cm (Group II, n=34). The control group
(Group III) consisted of 50 healthy volunteers. The postural stability was
evaluated with the Biodex Stability System (BSS). The results of Antero-Posterior
Stability Index (APSI), Medio-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) and Overall
Stability Index (OSI) were evaluated. RESULTS: There were statistically
significant differences between the three groups for OSI, APSI and MLSI. MLSI
results were significantly different among patient groups. When Group II and the
control group were compared, there were significant differences for OSI, APSI,
and MLSI. Comparing Group I with the control group revealed a more significant
difference for OSI, APSI, and MLSI. CONCLUSIONS: We have found that postural
stability decreases in patients with AS in both the early and the late stages of
the disease, but especially in the latter ones. This result may be thought to be
related with increased kyphosis which is seen during the course of the disease.

Langue : ANGLAIS