Effects of an exercise and relaxation aquatic program in patients with spondyloarthritis: A randomized trial

Abstract

Background and objective: Spondyloarthritis is a general term referring to a group of chronic rheumatic illnesses that share clinical, genetic, radiological and epidemiological features. The clinical presentation of spondyloarthritis is characterized by the compromise of both the axial and peripheral articular skeleton. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an aquatic exercise plus relaxation program in patients with spondyloarthritis. Patients and method: This was a randomized single blind study including 30 patients with spondylitis who were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. For 2 months, the experimental group underwent an aquatic fitness plus relaxation program (3 sessions per week). Evaluations were also performed in the control group the same days as the experimental group but they did not participate in any supervised exercise program. The following data were obtained at baseline and immediately after application of the last session: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Health Questionnaire SF-12 and Sigma PC3® (Sigma-Elektro GmbH, Neustadt, Germany) Heart Rate Monitor. Results: The Mann–Whitney test showed statistically significant differences in the quality of life (physical function [p = 0.05]), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (p = 0.015), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (fatigue [p = 0.032], neck pain, back and hips [p = 0.045], pain or swelling in other joints [p = 0.032] and in waking orning stiffness [p = 0.019]). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that therapy with physical exercise plus relaxation provides benefits to spondyloarthritis patients and these are advised as a part of their usual treatment.