Comparison of Two Different Pilates Exercise Methods in Individuals With Ankylosing Spondylitis: a Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different Pilates exercise methods (mat Pilates vs reformer Pilates) in individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Methods: Twenty individuals diagnosed with AS according to modified New York criteria were included in the study. Reformer Pilates group and mat Pilates group consisted of 10 individuals each. Spinal mobility was evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), disease activity with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functionality level with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), quality of life with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL), the number of enthesitis with Maastrich Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), fatigue with Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale (MAF), biopsychosocial status with the Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ). Evaluations were made pre and post treatment. Pilates exercises were applied twice a week for 4 weeks in both groups. Results: The reformer Pilates group improved significantly in BASMI-cervical rotation (p = 0.034), BASMI-tragus to wall distance (p = 0.046), BASMI-Total (p = 0.014), BASDAI (p = 0.005), ASQoL (p = 0.032), MASES (p = 0.042), MAF (p = 0.007), BETY-BQ (p = 0.033). The mat Pilates group significantly improved in BASMI-tragus to wall distance (p = 0.046), BASMI-Total (p = 0.014), BASFI (p = 0.009). Delta data were calculated by subtracting pretreatment scores from posttreatment scores. In the comparison of delta values, a statistically greater improvement was determined in the reformer Pilates group in BASDAI (p = 0.004) and MAF (p = 0.048). Discussion: After four weeks, both treatment methods provided significant benefits. In addition, reformer Pilates was found to provide better benefits than mat Pilates in disease activity and fatigue.