Comparative effectiveness of exercise interventions for axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review compared kinds of exercise for axial spondyloarthritis in adults. It pooled randomized trials in a network meta-analysis. The kinds were mobility, strength, aerobic, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qigong and yoga. Main measures were disease activity, function and spine mobility. It had 3404 people in the trials.

What they found

Against usual care, Pilates had the largest gains in disease activity and function. It also had the largest gain in pain. Yoga also cut pain. Qigong was the only kind linked to lower ESR and CRP. These are blood tests. No kind clearly improved spine mobility, walk test or quality of life.

What it means for patients

The team says exercise improved disease activity, function and pain against usual care. They say Pilates and Qigong had the most favorable effects. They say no kind was clearly better than all others. They say the pick of exercise should fit the person.

Why it is not certain yet

Results varied moderately to highly between trials. Most comparisons had low to moderate certainty. Few active kinds differed clearly from each other. The review was registered after the fact.

Source

Comparative effectiveness of exercise interventions for axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

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