Physiotherapy in ankylosing spondylitis: What is the evidence ?

S. van der Linden¹, A. van Tubergen¹, A. Hidding²

¹Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht; ²Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT
Evidence on the value of some current physiotherapeutic practices and the ineffectiveness of others is accumulating. This paper addresses the best evidence available on the efficacy and effectiveness of physiotherapeutic modalities in ankylosing spondylitis. General issues in the assessment of physiotherapy in this disease are briefly discussed. Core sets for assessments are nowadays available. A recent Cochrane review on this topic supports the (at least short-term) positive effects of physiotherapy, in particular exercise, in the management of ankylosing spondylitis. Some details of the included studies are provided. 

Key words
Ankylosing spondylitis, effectiveness, efficacy, evidence based medicine, exercises, hydrotherapy, outcome, physical therapy, physiotherapy, spa therapy.

Please address correspondence to: Prof. Sjef van der Linden, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. E-mail: sli@sint.azm.nl

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2002; 20: (Suppl. 28): S60-S64.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2002.