Riassunto dello studio

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).