A2.8 Effect of home exercise program in quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background and Objectives Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, rheumatic and inflammatory disease with a generally progressive course. The pain and stiffness are the main symptoms that cause the individual less mobility and changes in the sleep cycle producing fatigue, anxiety, stress and depression. This group of symptoms changes the well-being and quality of life of individuals. It is important to follow the recommendations of the physiotherapist about duration and frequency to ensure their effectiveness and improve the quality of life of individuals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program in quality of life of people with ankylosing spondylitis. Material and Methods This is a randomised controlled trial. 24 elements had the inclusion criteria and were randomised into control and experimental group. The experimental group performed a home-based exercise program for 5 days a week during 30 minutes each one for 10 weeks, which included straight postural, muscle strength, stretching and respiratory exercises. The evaluation of the individuals performed at baseline and after 10 weeks to carry out the home-based exercise program, follow through WHOQOL-Bref to evaluate the quality of life of individuals, BASDAI, BASFI and BASMI. Results The experimental group after the program improved the levels of WHOQOL-Bref (p = 0.027 for domain 1, p = 0.008 for domain 2 and p = 0.020 for domain 4), BASDAI (p = 0.044), BASFI (p = 0.049) and BASMI (p = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was found in initial time and the end of the study of all scales in control group. Also, there were correlations between all ranges and areas of WHOQOL-Bref, except between BASFI and BASDAI (r = 0). The most relevant correlations are between BASFI and domain 3 (r = -0.643; p = 0.024), domain 1 and domain 2 (r = 0.712; p = 0.009, domain 1 and domain 4 (r = 0.642; p = 0.025) domain 2 and domain 3 (r = 0.711; p = 0.010), domain 2 and domain 4 (r = 0.665; p = 0.018), domain 3 and domain 4 (r = 0.779; p = 0.003), well as represent meaning for the population. Conclusion The home-based exercise program is an effective therapy in increasing quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Psychological distress and fatigue was improved through better well being and quality of life.