Abstract
Background This study aimed to examine the association of physical
activity level with body awareness and balance in individuals with ankylosing
spondylitis (AS). In addition, the effects of disease-specific parameters on
static and dynamic balance functions were investigated.
Material and Methods Sixty-four volunteers (36 female, 28 male) were
included. AS disease activity, functional level, and spinal mobility were
evaluated with disease-specific indexes. Physical activity level was assessed
with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, body awareness with the
Body Awareness Questionnaire, static balance with the Single Leg Stance Test,
and dynamic balance with the Timed Up and Go Test and the Four Square Step
Test.
Results There was a relationship between physical activity level and body
awareness (p<0.05), but no correlation was found with the
disease-specific assessments and balance measurements (p>0.05). While
BASFI was found to be significantly associated with both static and dynamic
balance, it was noted that BASMI was just related with FSST (p<0.05),
and BASDAI was not correlated with any balance test (p>0.05).
Conclusion As a result of our study, we observed that physical activity
level was associated with body awareness, but not with balance. Also, it was
recorded that the functional status of individuals with AS is closely related
with static and dynamic balance and dynamic balance is partially influenced by
spinal mobility.
Key words
ankylosing spondylitis - awareness - functional status
Schlüsselwörter
Morbus Bechterew - Bewusstsein - Funktionsstatus
