From the Guidelines
Robotic technology should be considered as a valuable adjunct to conventional physical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis rehabilitation, as it provides precise, customizable, and consistent therapy to maintain mobility and posture while reducing pain. When considering the management of axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, the 2016 update of the ASAS-EULAR management recommendations emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological management, including physical therapy, as part of a personalized treatment approach 1. While these recommendations do not specifically mention robotic technology, they highlight the need for tailored treatment strategies that address the individual patient's needs and disease activity. In the context of rehabilitation, robotic systems can offer several benefits, including:
- Precise and consistent therapy delivery
- Customizable treatment parameters to meet individual patient needs
- Real-time feedback on movement quality and posture
- Enhanced patient engagement through gamified interfaces
- Potential to improve outcomes by maintaining spinal extension and preventing fusion in a flexed position. Typical robotic rehabilitation programs for AS patients may include 2-3 weekly sessions of 30-45 minutes over 8-12 weeks, focusing on spinal mobility, posture correction, and functional movement patterns. It is essential to note that robotic technology should not replace conventional physical therapy but rather serve as a complementary tool to enhance treatment outcomes, as emphasized by the importance of personalized medicine and non-pharmacological management in the ASAS-EULAR recommendations 1.
From the Research
Robotics in Ankylosing Spondylitis Rehabilitation
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies do not mention the use of robotics in ankylosing spondylitis rehabilitation.
Available Research on Ankylosing Spondylitis Rehabilitation
- The current research focuses on the benefits of exercise programs, patient education, and physical therapy in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, as seen in studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- These studies suggest that a combination of intensive group exercise with an educational-behavioral program can provide promising results in the management of patients with clinically stabilized AS on TNF inhibitor treatment 2.
- A four-phase sequenced rehabilitation protocol has been proposed for the benefit of individuals with AS, emphasizing the importance of patient education, active involvement, and motivation 3.
- Physiotherapy and exercises are considered integral components of AS management, with regular lifelong exercise being the mainstay of rehabilitation 4, 5.
- The introduction of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) has expanded treatment options for AS, but physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain important components of treatment 6.