Abstract des Autors

The objective of the present study was to evaluate, whether there is an association between the frequency of recreational exercise and the degree of mobility in young AS patients. Variables of mobility were measured in 132 AS patients </=40 years of age (male 102, female 30). Then, the patients were asked how often they practice sports and which kind of sport they prefer. Forty-five percent of the sample practice sports for at least 20 min less than once weekly, 36% did so once or twice weekly, and 19% were active more than twice weekly. In the more active patient the head-to-wall measurement, the degree of cervical rotation, and the finger-to-floor distance were significantly better than in the less active patient. Ott and Schober signs did not show a significant difference between the more and less active patient. Cycling and swimming were the most popular recreational activities. Comparison of different kinds of sport did not reveal any significant difference in their effect on a patient's mobility. The results suggest that in the young AS patient recreational exercise is associated with a higher degree of mobility, no matter what kind it is. Verf.-Referat