The effects of aerobic training on respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Abstract

Purpose: Costosternal and costovertebral joints are affected in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Chest expansion reduces and respiratory failure occurs. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effects of aerobic training on respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in AS patients.

Material-Methods: Seventeen patients (mean age:46.64±12.04 years; 9 female, 8 male) were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients were recorded. Maximal inspiratory pressure(MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure(MEP) were measured as respiratory muscle strength with portable spirometry device. Indirect maximal oxygen consumption(VO2max) calculated with Modified Bruce Protocol was used fort he assessment of exercise capacity. The training program consisted of aerobic training (40 minute treadmill) and exercises of spinal mobility was applied 3 days a week and 12 weeks. All the measurements were performed before and after training.

Results: Respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity were improved significantly after training in patients (before training MIP, MEP and VO2max: 85.52 ±23.75, 101.19 ±33.36 and 27.00 ±7.54 respectively; after training MIP, MEP and VO2max: 92.97±23.48, 115.62 ±34.82 and 35.74 ±8.63 respectively; p=0.005, p=0.022 and p=0.0001 respectively).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that aerobic training is an effective treatment method to increase the respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity in AS patients. We think that new studies are needed with a higher patients population and control group.