Static Postural Control Data Analysis in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of our study is to find out how ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects balance. Material and Methods: Thirty-one healthy volunteers and thirty five patients who were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and had no other disease that could affect balance participated in the study. Bipedal balance analysis was performed in each group with eyes open and closed. The position of the center of pressure during the measurement was evaluated. Results: The medio-lateral (ML) deviation of the center of pressure (p=0.035) and the total path length (PL) (p=0.042) were significantly higher in the patient group when measured with eyes open. PL was significantly longer in the patient group when measured with eyes closed (p=0.002). Conclusion: We have seen that ankylosing spondylitis affects balance negatively. Since this disease usually occurs in the young population, it should be taken into account that balance impairment can complicate daily life, especially in the working world. For this reason, it can be useful to consider the balance disorder in the treatment and the patients should be monitored for an extended period of time.