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NCT Number: NCT07262294

Deep Breathing Combined With Core Stability Exercises in the Treatment of Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Exercise may be considered the gold standard for the management of mechanical and functional symptoms associated with patients having AS and they are considered as a safe and effective treatment for improving strength, spinal mobility, and physical fitness in general. However, there were no definite types or doses recommended over others.

Additionally, poor posture is one of the consequences of AS due to pain, loss of flexibility, and muscular weakness which may also affect respiratory function. This faulty mechanical posture of the thoracic and cervical spine may affect the pulmonary function of these patients. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of deep breathing exercises added to core stability exercises in the treatment of patients suffering from AS.

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Key information

Conditions

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Ankylosis Arthritis Axial Spondyloarthritis Bone Diseases Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Spinal Diseases Spondylarthritis Spondylarthropathies Spondylitis Spondylitis, Ankylosing

Age range

25 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Beni Suef University Hospital

Banī Suwayf, Egypt

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Mariam Abd Allah, Lecturer

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Mariam Mohamed Abd Allah, Lecturer

CONTACT

[email protected]

+ 2001010222497

About this study

The management of AS typically involves a multidisciplinary approach which includes both medical and physical therapy approaches, concerning the medical treatment, NSAIDs are widely used for pain relief and inflammation control in AS patients and were recommended for the management of patients having AS. The efficacy of NSAIDs has been well-documented in research studies, Disease-modifying antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), including sulfasalazine and methotrexate, play a crucial role in suppressing inflammation and preventing joint damage in AS patients, or biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab), have transformed AS treatment by specifically targeting inflammatory pathways and significantly improving symptoms and function.

Respecting the physical therapy approach plays a crucial role aims to maintaining and improving mobility, reducing pain, enhancing overall function, correcting mal-positioning, and improving patients' psychological status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. It usually includes a combination of exercises such as Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, strengthening exercises, Cardiovascular exercises, postural training, patient education, assistive devices, Adaptations, and monitoring. Different types of exercises have been studied for managing patients having AS, however, no specific type has been recommended over others. Additionally, up to our knowledge, there were no studies has addressed the respiratory function that may be affected with patients having AS either from postural abnormalities, lack of spinal flexibility, or generalized functional limitations. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate if deep breathing exercises as a complementary intervention would be of some value when added to core stability exercises for patients suffering from AS.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Receiving the same medical treatment
  • Age range between 20 and 45 years
  • Includes both male and female patients
  • Diagnosed with stable ankylosing spondylitis (AS) for at least 3 months
  • Not engaged in any other rehabilitation programs within the last 6 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of other systemic or neurological disorders
  • Any change in medication within the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Exercises

Other

Exercises

Primary outcomes

  1. Respiratory function

    Time frame: Patients will be examined after 4 to 6 weeks

    Forced vital capacity (FVC) which measure lung volume, and it reflects the capacity of the lung.

    Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) which measure lung velocity, and it evaluate the presence of airway obstruction.

    FEV1/FVC it the index that differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional exercise capacity

    Time frame: Patients will be examined after 4 to 6 weeks

    The physical functional performance will be assessed by a six-minute walk test (6 MWT)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Beni-Suef University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Deep Breathing Added to Core Stability Exercises in the Treatment of Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: RCT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 3, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 9, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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