Article

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can
lead to increased axial and peripheral joint stiffness, impairing joint mobility.
Impaired axial mobility due to vertebral ankylosis may result in changes in
standing postural control. Little research has addressed changes in standing
postural control in the ankylosing spondylitis population, nor how these issues
might affect clinical understanding and treatment.
METHODS: Sixteen ankylosing
spondylitis patients, and 17 healthy controls participated. Each individual
completed two 120-second quiet standing trials with eyes open and eyes closed,
while standing upon two force platforms. Net center of pressure displacement and
mean power frequency in the frontal and sagittal planes were calculated. A Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed between net center of pressure
measures and several clinical measures of disease activity. FINDINGS: Frontal
plane net center of pressure displacement and frequency content, and sagittal
plane net center of pressure displacement were significantly greater within the
ankylosing spondylitis patient group. Ankylosing spondylitis patients
demonstrated a significant increase in frontal plane net center of pressure
displacement in the eyes-closed condition. Net center of pressure displacement
and frequency were significantly correlated to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis
Functional Index, and individual components of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis
Metrology Index. INTERPRETATION: Quiet standing postural control was altered
particularly so in the frontal plane in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,
which may be associated with increased fall risk. Posturographic measures of
postural control may serve as valuable clinical tools for the monitoring of
disease progression and disease status in ankylosing spondylitis.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS