EXERCISE IN ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS - HOW MUCH IS OPTIMUM

Objective. To evaluate how much exercise patients with ankylosing spon dylitis perform on a regular basis, to analyze demographic and clinica l variables that might influence adherence to exercise, and to determi ne the effect of exercise on disease activity and function. Methods. W e analyzed 4282 patients who completed a self-administered questionnai re regarding physical exercise. To determine the relationship between exercise, demographic data, and clinical variables, patients who exerc ise 2 to 4 hours and 10 or more hours per week were compared to nonexe rcising controls matched for age, sex, and disease duration. Results. Most of the patients reported 2 to 4 hours of exercise or no exercise. The group who performed moderate exercise had improved function and l ower disease activity (p < 0.001, p < 0.015, respectively). The group who performed intensive exercise had improved function, but no differe nce in disease activity was found (p = 0.033, p = 0.394, respectively) . Adherence to a regular exercise regime is associated with rheumatolo gist followup, beliefs in the benefits of exercise, and a higher educa tion level. Conclusion. This study suggests there is an optimum durati on for exercise performed over a weekly period. Consistency, rather th an quantity, is of most importance, Individuals most likely to follow this regime attend a rheumatologist, believe that exercise is of benef it, and are in the higher education category. Those who are less educa ted and followed by general practitioners should be targeted.