Outcome measurements
Disability, quadriceps muscle, fatigue
DISEASE, DISEASE, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
For a comprehensive analysis, outcome measures were chosen to document changes in muscle strength, disease activity, spinal mobility and quality of life across different components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, including activity, body structure and function. Primary outcomes included quadriceps muscle strength, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Scale (ASQoL).Patients were evaluated by an experienced physiotherapist (the evaluator was blinded to study design and group allocation) at baseline, post-intervention and after 6 months of follow-up. Measurements were taken at the same time of day (10:00 am) and measured in order (muscle test, BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI and ASQoL) in the same room. The physiotherapist allowed sufficient rest time between tests to avoid patient fatigue.