Trunk strength and spinal mobility in spondyloarthritis patients

Although exercise therapy is recommended as one of the keystones of non-pharmacological treatment for spondyloartritis, an inflammatory rheumatological disease, little is known about which exercise regime is warranted. Data on spinal mobility and strength are scarce. Hence the aim of the current study was to compare the isometric trunk strength and spinal mobility in SpA-patients (measured with the David Back Devices) with healthy control subjects matched for gender and age. Results of this study showed that in SpA-patients with rather early and well controlled disease, trunk and cervical muscle strength are already significantly decreased as well as mobility of cervical spine and rotation of thoracic/lumbar spine. Therefore, there is suggested that rehabilitation of these patients should not only focus on mobility but should also include trunk strengthening exercises.