Occupational Therapy Approaches to Assessment and Intervention for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Scoping Review

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive form of spondyloarthritis involving inflammation of the spine, accompanied by deficits in occupational performance. Although occupational therapy (OT) for AS is not as widely documented as in other professions, studies have examined the benefits of OT on pain, function, and disability among AS patients. This review explored assessments and interventions used by OT practitioners working with AS clients, impairments addressed, and settings of practice. Eight databases and gray literature were searched in April 2024. A total of 17 records were included. The only standardized assessment tool implemented was the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The most common interventions were joint or spinal protection strategies and adaptive equipment training, followed by ADL or functional training. Although findings suggest that OT practitioners support people with AS in many health care settings, there is still limited research, and additional studies are needed to best guide evidence-based practice.