Effects of Telerehabilitation in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joint. It usually begins in the second decade of life and is more common in men than women. The benefits of exercise and physical activity in health and disease are well recognized. Exercise is one of the most important nonpharmacologic treatment modalities in AS. Stretching, strengthening, aerobic, posture, balance and moltimodal exercise methods are the most commonly used treatment modalities. However, the application of these exercise methods to patients with AS in the form of a home exercise program is advantageous due to its low cost and the ease with which patients can start exercising. The study will include 44 patients diagnosed with AS aged 18-65 years. Patients will be divided into two randomized controlled groups with 22 patients in each group. Group 1 will receive a personalized exercise program including stretching, strengthening, respiratory, aerobic and posture exercises via video conferencing. Group 2 will be recommended a video on the YouTube platform and will be asked to perform the exercises by following the content of these videos. Patients in Group 2 will be followed up by regular communication with the patients and by asking the patient to create an attendance chart. Patients in both groups will receive the treatment 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Evaluation methods will be applied at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Spinal mobility will be assessed with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, disease activity with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, function with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Function Index, quality of life with Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale and posture with PostureScreeen mobile application.