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Abstract

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by persistent back pain, spinal stiffness, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Clinical Pilates training on spinal mobility, core endurance, low back pain, and quality of life in patients with AS. Methods: Patients diagnosed with AS were randomly allocated to either a Pilates group (PG) or a control group (CG). The PG participated in supervised Clinical Pilates sessions four times per week for six weeks, while the CG followed a structured home exercise program for the same duration, with weekly hospital follow-ups. Outcomes were assessed before and after intervention. Tools included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), spinal tape measurements, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to evaluate disease activity, spinal mobility, quality of life, and pain. Core endurance was measured using static (extensor endurance, trunk flexor, and lateral bridge tests) and dynamic (modified sit-up test) assessments. Results: Statistical analysis with SPSS revealed significant improvements in both groups; however, the Pilates group demonstrated superior outcomes in spinal mobility, core endurance, pain reduction, and quality of life compared to the control group. Conclusion: Both Clinical Pilates training and home-based exercises are effective for managing symptoms of AS. Nevertheless, Clinical Pilates provides greater benefits, suggesting it may serve as a more effective therapeutic approach to enhance spinal mobility, core endurance, pain relief, and quality of life in this population.