The aim of this study was to assess spinal mobility status and Quality of life (QoL) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and determine the relationship between spinal mobility and measures of clinical condition including QoL. A total of 74 patients with AS were included in this study. Disease specific instruments Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), Bath Ankylosing Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were applied, and mobility testing: occiput-wall distance and chest expansion. QoL was assessed by the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The mean age was 48.5 years; there were significant correlations between BASMI score and age (P < 0.001), disease duration (P < 0.001), symptoms duration (P < 0.001) and BASFI (P < 0.001). BASMI was negatively correlated with SF-36 physical function subscale (P < 0.001) and general health subscale (P = 0.029). In multivariate regression analysis, BASFI score (P < 0.001) was independently associated factor with physical function domain of SF-36. This study showed that in AS spinal mobility measures are associated with physical function, general health, emotional role and mental health domains of QoL.

This paper presents the results of studies on the effects of suppression of chronic pain by currents with low (TENS), medium (Intf) and high (MT) frequencies, in dogs with ankylosing spondilytis. Prior to imaging diagnostics the dogs were clinically observed, trias was estimated, as well as habitus, neurological signs and degree of pain. After a 10 day treatment it was clear that all three treatments resulted in a significant decrease of pain at rest, during activity or during palpation. TENS currents have shown the highest degree of effect. All treated animals have shown improved motility after a few months of therapy. Despite the fact that all animals had an improved clinical picture none of the applied currents resulted in a complete loss of limping. Dogs treated with Intf currents displayed a decrease in muscular atrophy. Motility of the coxofemoural joint was most evident in the group treated with microwaves

In conclusion, the BASFI index was associated with physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality and mental health domains of SF-36 and also with the rating scale of EQ-5D.

Physical therapy at the Igalo Institute and good climate conditions have significantly improved the Health-Related-Quality-of-Life in both groups of patients. ACR index showed great

Balneotherapy, together with climatic factors in Igalo, leads to a significant improvement of functional status and quality of life in patients suffering from RA.