Adding Mobilization Therapy to Mobility Exercise Improves Clinical Outcomes for Spondylitis Patients .
The efficacy of manual soft-tissue mobilization in ankylosing spondylitis: A randomized controlled study
Int J Rheum Dis. 2021 Mar;24(3): 445-455.Twenty-eight patients with ankylosing spondylitis were randomized to receive 4 weeks of spinal mobility exercises with soft-tissue mobilization therapy (n=14) or without soft-tissue mobilization therapy (n=14). Outcomes of interest included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), lateral lumbar flexion, tragus-to-wall distance, lumbar flexion (modified Schober), maximal intermalleolar distance, cervical rotation, Nottingham Health Profile total score and associated sub-scores (i.e., energy level; pain; emotional reactions; social isolation; sleep; physical abilities), and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). Outcomes were assessed upon completion of the 4 week treatment program. Results revealed statistically significant improvements from baseline in BASDAI scores, BASFI scores, BASMI total scores, lateral lumbar flexion, maximal malleolar distance, NHP total scores, NHP pain scores, and RMDQ scores in the mobilization group (p<0.05 for all). In the control group, only in BASMI total scores was a statistically significant improvement from baseline observed (p=0.049). The change from baseline in BASFI scores, BASMI total scores, lateral lumbar flexion, tragus-to-wall flexion, maximal intermalleolar distance, and cervical rotation was statistically significantly greater in the mobilization group compared to the control group (p<0.05 for all). Furthermore, no statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the change from baseline for BASDAI, lumbar flexion, RMDQ scores, and NHP total scores or sub-scores (p>0.05 for all).
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics