Evaluation of trunk muscle strength and aerobic capacity of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Details

Supervisors

Avaux, Marie

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength of the trunk muscles using the David Back Clinic system and aerobic fitness using the PWC75%/kg protocol in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). 29 AS patients were divided into 2 groups (AS1: 15 patients and AS2: 14 patients) and evaluated according to their mobility as measured by the BASMI score. 15 healthy subjects matched by age, gender and weight were chosen as control subjects. Furthermore, we assessed spinal mobility with the goniometers of the David Back Clinic machines, pain during the evaluation with the VAS, physical activity with the Baecke Questionnaire and kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. A significant difference in trunk muscle strength between AS patients and healthy control subjects was established, but no significant difference was found between the two patient groups, meaning that it is even present in patients with less spinal impairments. No significant difference in aerobic capacity was found between the AS patients and control subjects. The reason for a loss of trunk muscle strength in patients with AS is multivariable: pain and pain induced kinesiophobia, loss of spinal mobility, muscular changes, fatigue, rheumatoid cachexia and possible neurologic disorders may contribute to different degrees. Aerobic capacity seems to be unaffected. Physiotherapy, combined with home-based exercises, is able to attenuate most complications leading to a loss of trunk muscle strength.