Training effects of Dahn Taekwondo’s Spondylitis Improvement Program on ankylosing spondylitis: a case study

Introduction: This case study applied the Dahn Taekwondo Spondylitis Improvement Program (DTSIP) to a 30-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis five times a week for 28 weeks. Materials and Methods: A 32-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis underwent the Dahn Taekwondo Spondylitis Improvement Program (DTSIP), an amalgamated program of standard Western medicine practices and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) exercises based in the oriental medicine practices of yoga and taekwondo. The subject performed the DTSIP 5 times a week for 90 minutes for 28 weeks. Results: First, blood C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and platelet levels decreased by approximately 29-71%. Second, blood leukocyte counts decreased by about 11%. Third, as a result of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) measurement, tragus to wall (TWD), lumbar side flexion (LSF), LF (lumbar flexion), and intermalleolar distance (IMD) were improved substantially. The students’ cervical vertebrae and thoracic and lumbar vertebrae ranges of motion were additionally improved. The range of motion of the shoulder and hip joint improved. Conclusions: Therefore, the DTSIP seems to have a positive effect on the inflammation, immune functions, and spine and joint range of motion in the subject of this case study. Future studies are required with a wider sample population to validate these results.