Pilates-based physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis patients

Introduction. The Pilates method is considered one of the most popular exercise programmes in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the impact of the Pilates method in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients and methods. A clinical trial was conducted at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA) in 49 patients with AS, randomly selected and divided into two groups. The intervention group (IG, n=26) participated in a Pilates method protocol of 90-min sessions on alternate days for 5 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. At the end of the 5-week period, the IG continued to perform the exercises at home for 3 months. A control group (CG, n=23) performed conventional exercises at home during the same period. The following variables were analysed: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Results. BASMI scores significantly increased in the CG (P<.05) and decreased in the short- and medium-term in the IG (P=.038, P=.020). At the end of the study, significant differences were found in the BASFI index between the CG and the IG (P=.028). The BASDAI showed no differences between the CG and the IG (P>.05), but significant intragroup differences were found in the IG before and after the Pilates intervention (P=.002), while no intragroup differences were found in the CG (P=.113). Conclusions. Patients undergoing a supervised Pilates-based physiotherapy programme showed improved spinal mobility and functional capacity compared with patients who carried out conventional exercise at home (AU)