Deep Breathing Combined With Core Stability Exercises in the Treatment of Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Exercise may be considered the gold standard for the management of mechanical and functional symptoms associated with patients having AS and they are considered as a safe and effective treatment for improving strength, spinal mobility, and physical fitness in general. However, there were no definite types or doses recommended over others. Additionally, poor posture is one of the consequences of AS due to pain, loss of flexibility, and muscular weakness which may also affect respiratory function. This faulty mechanical posture of the thoracic and cervical spine may affect the pulmonary function of these patients. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of deep breathing exercises added to core stability exercises in the treatment of patients suffering from AS.

The management of AS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach which includes both medical and physical therapy approaches, concerning the medical treatment, NSAIDs are widely used for pain relief and inflammation control in AS patients and were recommended for the management of patients having AS. The efficacy of NSAIDs has been well-documented in research studies, Disease-modifying antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), including sulfasalazine and methotrexate, play a crucial role in suppressing inflammation and preventing joint damage in AS patients, or biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab), have transformed AS treatment by specifically targeting inflammatory pathways and significantly improving symptoms and function. Respecting the physical therapy approach plays a crucial role aims to maintaining and improving mobility, reducing pain, enhancing overall function, correcting mal-positioning, and improving patients' psychological status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. It usually includes a combination of exercises such as Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, strengthening exercises, Cardiovascular exercises, postural training, patient education, assistive devices, Adaptations, and monitoring. Different types of exercises have been studied for managing patients having AS, however, no specific type has been recommended over others. Additionally, up to our knowledge, there were no studies has addressed the respiratory function that may be affected with patients having AS either from postural abnormalities, lack of spinal flexibility, or generalized functional limitations. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate if deep breathing exercises as a complementary intervention would be of some value when added to core stability exercises for patients suffering from AS.

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