THU0747-HPR The effect of clinical pilates exercises on disease specific-indices, core stabilisation and balance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background The Pilates method has been widely used to improve physical fitness and rehabilitation in general. Altough Pilates method gives precedence to the spine and focuses on controlled movement, posture, and breathing, which are obviously the basic goals of Ankilozing Spondylitis(AS) treatment there is limited literature on the effectiveness of the Pilates method as treatment for patients with AS. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of clinical pilates exercises on on disease-specific indices, core stabilisation and balance in patients with AS. Methods The study included 21 AS patients(11 male, 10 female). Demographic and physical characteristics(age, height, weigth, body mass index) were recorded. Evalutions were performed before clinical pilates treatment and after 8 weeks clinical pilates treatment. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index(BASDAI) for disease activity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index(BASFI) for functional capacity, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Mobility Index(BASMI) for spinal mobility were used. Balance was evaluated with Biodex Balance System SD. Overall postural stability indices obtained with bilateral stance(stable and unstable platform), single leg stance(stable platform) and overall limits of stability scores were recorded. Static and dynamic endurance tests were used to evaluate core stabilisation. Modified sit-ups test for dynamic core endurance and static core endurance tests recommeded by McGill were used to evaluate core stabilisation. Patients attended group clinical pilates exercise sessions three times a week, during 8 weeks with physotherapist. Results The mean age of patients was 43,9±8,93 years and the mean body mass index(BMI) was 27,37±3,68 kg/m 2 . Pre and post treatment measurements were shown in table 1. Statistically significiant improvement were observed in all parameters except stable platform bilateral stance and single leg stance postural stability results(p Conclusions Clinical pilates exercises is benefical and safety method in patients with AS to improve functional capasity, disease activity, spinal mobility, core stabilisation and balance. Clinical pilates is an enjoyable and effective way to exercise for Ankylosing Spondylitis patients. Reference [1] Altan L, et al. Effect of Pilates training on people with ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatology international2012.32(7):2093–2099. Disclosure of Interest None declared