The relationship between spinal mobility, static and functional balance in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between spinal mobility, static and functional balance in patients with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to compare spinal mobility, static and functional balance in early and late stage patients with AS.Method: There were 137 patients (74 M, 63 F) Norwegian patients who came to Balçova Thermal Hotel and had AS diagnose according to Modified New York Criterias, to have a routine physical therapy and rehabilitation programme with an average age of 51,19 ± 10,72. In all participants spinal mobility, static and functional balance measurements were done. Correlation analyses were performed between static and functional balance and age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, cervical rotation (CR), tragus to wall distance (TWD), lumbar side flexion (LSF), modified schober test, intermalleolar distance (IMD) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) total score in AS patients. Static balance test was measured by standing on one leg with eyes open and eyes closed conditions. Functional balance test was evaluated by timed up and go test (TUGT) and BERG balance scale. The patients were divided into two groups according to tragus-wall distance <15 cm (Group 1, n = 51) and ?15cm (Group II n=86). Spinal mobility parameters, static and functional balance tests were compared between groups.Results: A significant corelation was detected between static and functional balance tests and total BASMI scores, SR, LLF, IMD, Schober test (p<0.05). A significant corelation was found between disease duration, age, BMI and static and functional balance test (p<0.05). No positive corelation was found between TWD and static and functional balance test (p>0.05). Spinal mobility measurements and BERG balance scores are found significantly lower in Group II when compared with Group I (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between groups in static balance and TUGT (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study claims that there was a corelation between spinal mobility and static and functional balance so the mobility limitations cause balance impairement in AS patients. There is a negative corelation between age, disease duration, BMI and static and functional balance measurements Static and functional balance are affected by age, BMI and disease duration in AS patients. Functional balance in moderate AS patients is more impaired in the late stage of the disease. No significant difference was found in mobility and static balance with the mild and moderate AS patients.Key words: Ankylosing spondylitis, posture, static balance, functional balance