Research Information System
Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Turkey
Approval Date: 2015
Student: SELİM MAHMUT GÜNAY
Supervisor: İLKE KESER
Abstract:Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is chronic inflammatory disease which can cause severe functional disorders by mainly affecting spine. In AS decreased spinal mobility and postural changes lead to loss of balance and reveal fall risk. The aim of this study to investigate the effect of physiotherapist supervised rehabilitation program on balance and postural stability and contribution of the physiotherapy approach to improve balance in AS. 21 patients participated in the study and participants were randomized to study (n= 11) and control group (n= 10). In our research were used Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) and Functional Reach Test (FUT) to assessment static and dynamic balance. Flexibility and spinal mobility were evaluated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), functional status with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), disease activity and progression with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and quality of life were assessed with Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire. Physiotherapy program, 5 days a week for 3 weeks, were performed all participants. In the study group balance and stability exercises were performed with routine physiotherapy practice in thermal water. TUGT, SLST and FUT scores showed significant improvement when compared pre-treatment values in study group (p<0,05). In the control group only TUGT and left leg balance measurements showed significant results (p<0,05). Between the groups measurements were not observed significant difference (p>0,05). In both two groups BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI and ASQoL values were showed significant change when compared before treatment measures (p<0,05). Between the groups comparison were not significant difference (p>0,05). In AS treatment when applying balance and stability exercises with routine physiotherapy approach were observed that balance can be maintained longer even in the narrow support surface. The results of this study indicated that within AS rehabilitation, intended for balance exercises in water and on land can contribute to the effectiveness of treatment.