Riassunto dello studio

Ten studies including 534 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were included in this meta-analysis comparing exercise interventions and control for the management of pain, function, and inflammation. The outcomes of interest included pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Subgroup analyses by the duration of treatment and for home-based exercise programs were conducted in addition to the primary analysis. Results demonstrated that pooled BASFI scores (p<0.00001), BASDAI scores (p<0.00001), and pain scores (p<0.0001) were statistically significantly in favour of the exercise group compared to the control group. No statistical significant differences were observed in pooled CRP levels (p=0.64) and ESR (p=0.74) between the two groups. In the subgroup-analysis for duration of treatment, pooled BASFI scores, BASDAI scores, and pain scores were statistically significantly in favour of the exercise group with program durations of 8 weeks, and 8-16 weeks. Moreover, for exercise program lasting 24 weeks or longer, pooled BASDAI scores were statistically significantly in favour of the exercise group (p>0.05). In the sub-group analysis of home-based exercise programs, BASFI scores, BASDAI scores, and pain scores were statistically significantly in favour of the exercise group (p>0.05).