The relationship between myotonometry parameters and spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis patients included in a physical exercise program

Abstract

Studies showed that the mechanical properties of spinal muscles in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differ from healthy controls; the continued disease duration alters elasticity and stiffness. Our research focused on analyzing the myotonometry parameters of the longissimus capitis and lumbar erector spinae muscles and spinal mobility in AS patients who followed an 8-week physical exercise program. 34 AS patients were evaluatedevaluated at the beginning of the physical exercise program and after 8 weeks by MyotonPRO (the device measures frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep) and cervical and lumbar spine assessments. Significantly higher frequency was noted for right and left longissimus capitis muscle after rehabilitation. We recorded statistically significant decreasedstiffness and higher decrement for the right lumbar erector spinae muscle at the second assessment. After the physical exercise program, the cervical spine range of motionmotion improved significantly for all the tested movements. The Schober test had significantly increased values, while the finger-to-floor test decreased significantly. Significant correlations were noted between stiffness and right lumbar rotation and right lumbar lateral flexion at both baseline and 8-week assessments. Improvements in cervical and lumbar spinal motions can be analyzed in relation to mechanical muscles properties in AS pa-tients who have followed a physical exercise program.

Keywords

• ankylosing spondylitis
• physical exercise
• myotonometry
• mobility