Exercise Adherence in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (also called Bechterew's disease or Marie-Strumpell disease) is a seronegative spondyloarthritis of the spine and pelvis. It is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease with unknown aetiology. AS causes inflammatory back pain, which can lead to structural and functional impairments and a decrease in quality of life. AS is also called "Bamboo Spine" due to bone formation at the level of the joint capsule and cartilage. Hence, affected joints progressively become stiff and sensitive. The treatment for AS mainly consists of drug therapy (usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and regular performance of an exercise regimen designed by physiotherapists to improve or maintain mobility and posture .