AB0897 The relationship between disease-specific indices and balance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Background Axial and periferal joint stifness, impaired joint mobility and postural deformities may affect balance in AS. However factors affecting balance in AS patients are still unclear. There is limited literature investigating balance-related factors in patients with AS and the results are contradictory. Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate relationship between disease-specific indices and balance in patients with AS. Methods 72 patients(46 male, 26 female) with AS were included in the study. The demographic and anthropometric features(age, weight, height, body mass index(BMI)) of patients were recorded. Disease-specific indices used in the study were Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Mobility Index (BASMI). BASDAI for disease activity, BASFI for functional capacity, BASMI for spinal mobility were used. Static and dynamic balance was evaluated with Biodex Balance System SD. Limits of stability and bilateral stance (stable and unstable platform), single leg stance (stable platform) postural stability test results were recorded. Overall stability(OA) indices were used. A high score in the OA index indicates poor balance. Spearman correlation test used for statistical analysing. Correlation analyses were performed between BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI scores and Biodex test results Results The mean age of patients was 39,95±8,84 years and mean BMI was 26,55±3,82 kg/m 2 . BASDAI, BASFI and BASMI scores of patients are shown in table 1. Only positive weak correlation was found between BASFI score and right leg stance overall postural stability index (r=0,25, p=0,034). No other correlation was detected between BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI scores and Biodex balance test results. Conclusions The results of our study indicated that there is no relationship between BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI scores and balance except BASFI score and right leg stance postural stability. Our results contradict some previous studies while supporting some studies. This may be due to in our study BASDAI, BASFI and BASMI scores are lower than previous studies or the usage of different methods from previous studies for evaluating balance and postural stability in AS. Further studies are required to establish the actual status of relationship between balance and clinic measurements in AS patients. Reference [1] Pompeu, J.E., Static and dynamic balance in subjects with ankylosing spondylitis: literature review. Revista brasileira de reumatologia, 2012. 52(3): p. 413–416. Disclosure of Interest None declared