Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic rheumatic disease most commonly manifested by chronic lower back pain and progressive spinal stiffness. It may also involve
inflammation of the hip and shoulder joints, as well as other peripheral joints and associated connective tissues. The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, including patient education and regular physical exercise. Physical exercise should be balanced, focusing on increasing and maintaining the mobility of the spine and peripheral joints. It should also include stretching exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, and exercises aimed at improving cardiorespiratory function. Hydro kinesiotherapy is also commonly used in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, as movement in water is often less painful for patients compared to movement on land. Purpose: To determine the effects of hydro kinesiotherapy on patients with ankylosing spondylitis through a review of professional and scientific literature. Work methods: Data were reviewed from the databases PubMed, PEDro, and Science Direct. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were selected for detailed analysis. Results: Seven randomized controlled trials published between 2008 and 2023 were included in the analysis. The authors compared the effects of hydro kinesiotherapy with other forms of therapeutic exercise, balneotherapy, control groups without exercise programs, or
combinations of these. The results demonstrated that hydro kinesiotherapy reduces pain intensity, disease activity, improves mobility, functional status and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Discussion and Conclusion: The authors of the analyzed studies report positive outcomes following hydro kinesiotherapy programs, outdoor exercise, and combinations of hydro kinesiotherapy with outdoor exercise and balneotherapy. Due to the significant heterogeneity among studies, future research should focus on larger, more homogeneous samples, standardized exercise programs, and the use of uniform measurement tools to more precisely define the independent effects of hydro kinesiotherapy.
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