Aerobic exercise for axial spondyloarthritis - its effects on disease activity and function as compared to standard physiotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim To evaluate the impact of an aerobic fitness program on disease activity, defined by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and on C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) in case of axial spondyloarthritis. Methods A systematic review of the literature, following the Prisma recommendations, was performed by two reviewers on the PubMed and Embase databases. Controlled trials assessing the efficacy of aerobic exercises compared to physiotherapy on axial spondyloarthritis disease activity were included. The diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis was meeting the New York criteria and/o…