Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving principally the axial joints of the spine, chiefly the sacro-iliac apophyseal and costovertebral articulations resulting in not only deformity but also functional disability in terms of cardiopulmonary dysfunction and activities of daily living.
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the most responsive disease among arthritides to comprehensive rehabilitation, physical modality such as postural and strengthening exercise and chest physical therapy.
Since comparatively excellent treatment results were gained subjectively as well as objectively by administering intensive comprehensive rehabilitation for short period of admission, 5 diagnosed cases along with importance of patient education and home therapy maintenance program are stated for the first time in Korea.
