Evaluation of balance disorder and associated factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate balance disorder and the factors associated with it in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Patients and Methods: The study included 75 patients diagnosed with AS and 75 healthy volunteers. Patients and controls were analysed for demographic characteristics, and AS patients were also investigated for disease activity indices and disease duration. Patient and control groups were compared using static and dynamic balance tests. Results: The scores of AS patients were found to be worse than the control group (p=0.000) in terms of Static Double-Feet Balance Index (SDFBI), Static Single-Feet Balance Index (SSFBI), Dynamic Balance Index (DBI), Timed Up and Go test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Hand to Ground Distance (HGD). Balance impairment was significantly higher in patients with kyphosis and advanced stage of sacroiliitis. Kyphosis angle, stage of sacroiliitis, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), OWD (occiput-to-wall distance) scores, presence of contracture in hip or knee joint and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) were correlated with poor balance when evaluated with balance evaluation scales for correlation. Conclusions: Balance was impaired in AS patients. Appropriate treatment and rehabilitation protocols for spinal and peripheric joint stiffness may improve balance disorder in AS patients.