Objective: Posture is a combination of the positions which is taken by the joints in every movement of the body. The aim of this study is to determine the spine deformities by posture analysis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, and, additionally, to evaluate the effects of these deformities on daily life activities and patients’ quality of life.
Material and Methods: Thirty patients with ankylosing spondylitis and thirty healthy subjects were included in the study. Posture analysis, through SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory were applied to all individuals. Shortening of muscles and muscle strength were evaluated.
Results: An increase in thoracic kyphosis, a decrease in lumbar lordosis, deformities of round shoulder, genu valgum and pes planus were significantly prominent in the AS group compared to the healthy group. In both groups, no significant differences were found between means of their body mass index, increased cervical lordosis, low shoulder, and genu varum. There was a decrease of muscle strength and an increase of shortening of muscle in certain muscle groups. It was determined that quality of life in AS patients was negatively affected by posture.
Conclusion: The physiologic and psychological status of patients with ankylosing spondylitis affects their quality of life because of the abnormal posture and weakness of the muscles resulting from the limitation of movement. The patients did not have enough information on their disorders and did not take care of the importance of the disease.
Key Words: Ankylosing Spondylitis; Posture Analysis; Quality of Life.
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