Awareness, attitude and practice of home based exercise therapy in diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis patients – A descriptive observational study

Abstract

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis is chronic polyarthritic condition affecting spine and pelvic joints, more prevalent among males than females, appears in early age of 20–40 years. As there are long term symptoms of joint pain, stiffness and functional loss which demands prolonged medical management and rehabilitation for physical and mental health using medicines and exercise therapy. In literature home based exercise therapy (HBET) been considered as effective treatment method but limited literature available about awareness, attitude and practice of HBET among patients with ankylosing spondylitis in India.

Methods

Total 266 participants (Females, 18 and Males, 248) responded out of 721 registered patients from ankylosing spondylitis welfare society of age 15-to-62 years. A validated VSPMSCOP awareness, attitude & practice-ankylosing spondylitis questionnaire (VSPMSCOP AAP–ASQ)© was used which contains 5 phases including consent form from the patients with total 21 questions (12 out of 21 questions evaluates attitude, awareness and practice of Home Based Exercise Therapy-HBET in patients with ankylosing spondylitis). The questionnaire was made available to participants via Google form link.

Results

In present study, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 48.9 %, patients were aware about HBET, 55.3 % patients found HBET helpful and 69.9 % participants practices home based exercise therapy (HBET>6 months). In present study, occurrence of AS among males is more than females (Male:Female-13:7 i. e 93.2 % and 6.8 %).

Discussion

The HBET needs awareness, positive attitude towards exercise and guidance exercise therapy program for practice under supervision of exercise professionals, which may be beneficial and helpful for improving physical, mental and psychological well being among patients with ankylosing spondylitis.