Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Ankylosing Spondylitis-A Literature Review

Background: Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and eventual spinal fusion in severe cases. Traditional treatment approaches includephysical therapy, pharmacological management, and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Recently, aquatic therapy has gained attention as an effective, non-invasive intervention. The buoyancy of water reduces joint stress, while its resistance improves muscle strength and flexibility, providing a unique therapeutic environment for AS patients. This literature review explores the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in managing pain, mobility, and overall quality of life for individuals with AS.Aim: The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic therapy as a treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis by synthesizing findings from 30 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024.Methods: A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Keywords including “aquatic therapy,” “ankylosing spondylitis,” “hydrotherapy,” and “spinal mobility” were used to identify relevant studies. Articles were included if they focused on AS, involved aquatic therapy, and were published in English between 2018 and 2024. A total of 23 studies were selected, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case reports.Results: Aquatic therapy consistently demonstrated significant benefits in reducing pain, improving spinal mobility, and enhancing the overall quality of life in AS patients. Across the studies, aquatic therapy outperformed land-based therapy in terms of pain reduction, flexibility, and patient satisfaction. Additionally, many studies noted psychological benefits, such as reduced anxiety and depression, further contributing to improved patient outcomes.Conclusion: Aquatic therapy is an effective intervention for managing Ankylosing Spondylitis, offering improvements in pain, mobility, and psychological well-being. The unique properties of water make it an ideal environment for exercise, especially for individuals with joint pain and stiffness. However, further research is needed to standardize therapy protocols and assess long term outcomes.