Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Summary

Purpose of the study:

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic disease that affects the spine and joints, causing pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Exercise is known to help reduce pain and improve function in individuals with AS. However, the most effective type and method of exercise are not fully known. This study aims to compare the effects of different telerehabilitation methods-synchronous (live video) and asynchronous (pre-recorded video)-on disease activity, physical function, mobility, fatigue, quality of life, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), and pain levels in individuals with AS.

Study design and methods:

This is a randomized controlled experimental study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Synchronous telerehabilitation: Exercise sessions via live video, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Asynchronous telerehabilitation: Exercise sessions via pre-recorded videos, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Control group: Exercise instructions provided in a brochure.

All groups will perform exercises for approximately 40-50 minutes per session, focusing on flexibility, strength, posture, balance, coordination, and functional movements. Participants will be evaluated before the intervention (week 0) and after 8 weeks for disease activity, physical function, mobility, fatigue, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and pain during rest, movement, and sleep.

Participants:

The study will include adults aged 18-65 years diagnosed with AS at least one year prior, able to use a smartphone, and willing to participate. Individuals who are pregnant, have serious comorbidities, recent surgery, or conditions affecting mobility will be excluded.

Expected benefits:

The study will identify which telerehabilitation method is more effective for individuals with AS. telerehabilitation may provide easier access to treatment, improve adherence to exercise programs, and contribute to better disease management and quality of life.

Conditions

• Anklyosing Spondylitis
• Telerehabilitation

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Synchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise Program

Participants receive supervised synchronous telerehabilitation via video calls (WhatsApp) three times per week for 8 weeks. Each session lasts 40-50 minutes and includes mobility and exercise training under live supervision.

BEHAVIORAL

Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise Program

Participants receive asynchronous telerehabilitation with exercise videos sent every 2 weeks via WhatsApp. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Feedback is provided by message or phone call, and participants keep an exercise diary for adherence tracking.

BEHAVIORAL

Brochure Program

Participants receive a printed exercise brochure containing the same program as the intervention groups, updated every 2 weeks. They are asked to perform the exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks and keep an exercise diary for adherence tracking.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat University

  collaborator OTHER

• Inonu University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-01

Primary Completion

2026-04-30

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations