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Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Programme (PMR)

Spinal mobility, postural and aerobic exercise to prevent stiffness and deformity in axial spondyloarthritis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Programme (PMR)?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory axial spondyloarthritis causing progressive sacroiliac and spinal fusion that produces stiffness, kyphosis and reduced chest expansion; structured exercise is a fundamental component of treatment alongside NSAIDs and biological DMARDs.

ASAS-EULAR and Cochrane evidence support supervised exercise programmes (spinal mobility, postural retraining, deep breathing, neck and thoracic extension, strengthening of paraspinal and gluteal muscles, hydrotherapy and aerobic activity) at least 2-3 times per week with daily home exercises.

Programme components include spinal flexion-extension and rotation, chest expansion exercises, postural correction in front of mirror, sleeping prone, walking and swimming; high-intensity exercise has shown significant improvement in BASMI, BASDAI and BASFI scores.

Symptoms

Inflammatory low back pain and morning stiffness
Reduced spinal mobility and Schober test
Reduced chest expansion (<2.5 cm)
Hip and shoulder stiffness
Kyphotic posture and impaired forward gaze
Fatigue and sleep disturbance
Cardiovascular deconditioning

Risk Factors

Established AS with HLA-B27 positivity
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Comorbid uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease
Sleep disturbance and depression
Functional limitation despite biologics
Family history of spondyloarthritis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent inflammatory back pain despite NSAIDs
  • Reduced spinal mobility on follow-up
  • Postural deterioration
  • Fatigue and impaired daily function

Treatment Methods

01
Initial functional assessment with BASMI/BASDAI/BASFI
02
Supervised spinal mobility programme
03
Postural retraining and deep breathing
04
Aerobic activity (walking, swimming, cycling)
05
Strengthening of paraspinal, gluteal and hip muscles
06
Hydrotherapy during flare or for elderly
07
Daily home exercise diary and follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.