The importance of exercise in treating ankylosing spondylitis can not be overstated. A study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that "A home-based exercise program can have an effect on some measures respiratory muscle and functional status."

The results of the study found that after six weeks of a home-based exercise program, "Chest expansion, maximal inspiratory pressure, and maximal expiratory pressure values and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index scores of patients significantly increased."

One potential complication of ankylosing spondylitis is that the joints between the ribs and spine, and where the ribs meet the breastbone in front of the chest, develop decreased chest expansion because of long-term inflammation and scarring of the tissues. Deep breathing exercises are also recommended to maintain proper chest expansion.

To read an abstract of the study, click here.

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