Durmus, BekirSahin, NilayBaysal, OzlemErsoy, YukselBaysal, TamerKoca, Tuba TulayAltay, Zuhal2020-03-262020-03-2620130959-3020https://dx.doi.org/10.3233/IES-130500https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12395/29598BACKGROUND: Objective measurement of trunk muscles strength in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may provide clinical information that can be used to evaluate functional disability. OBJECTIVE: To compare the isokinetic strength of trunk muscles in AS patients with healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with AS and thirty-one healthy subjects were enrolled. Patients with spinal ankylosis and bridged syndesmophytes in the lumbar and dorsal vertebrae were excluded. Trunk flexor and extensor strength was measured at: 60 and 90 degrees/sec. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, AS patients demonstrated 38% and 24% decrease in the extensor and flexor strength, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, the flexor/extensor strength ratio was 1.0 and 0.8 in the patients and control subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the relatively selective extensor weakness we recommend assessment of trunk muscle strength in these patients for guiding clinicians regarding possible reconditioning exercises in the early period of AS.en10.3233/IES-130500info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessTrunk muscle strengthisokineticankylosing spondylitisArticle214293299WOS:000324990900005Q4