EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION AND KINESITHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSIS SPONDILITIS (МORBUS BECHTEREV)

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century, the Russian neurologist, neurophysiologist and psychiatrist Vladimir Bekhterev gave a clinical description of the disease. The first separates the disease as an independent nosological unit. The disease is also known as Bekhterev's disease. The main characteristic of the pathological process in Bekhterev's disease is the tendency towards the rapid onset of calcification of the connective apparatus in the spine, and more precisely the formation of the so-called "bone bridges" between the vertebrae. In the periphery of the bodies of the vertebrae, bone bridges are formed between their bodies, which look like a "bamboo stick" on an X-ray. The same process affects the posterior column of the spine. The aim of the research is: to study the effectiveness of treatment with physical rehabilitation and kinesitherapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Research methods: The research was conducted in the Recreational Center at the University "Goce Delchev" in Shtip and Thermal Bath Kezovica at "Clinical Hospital" - Shtip. 17 patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis are included in the research, of which 11 patients are male, and 6 of them are female. Result: In the patients of the Second Group, in which hydro-kinesitherapy is applied, much better results were achieved compared to the patients of the First Group. Discussions: In most cases, the diagnosis is delayed by several years, due to insufficient knowledge of the characteristics and symptoms of the disease. Incomplete clinical examination, lack of symptoms in the initial stages and the slow evolution of the disease. Particular attention is paid to preserving range of motion in affected patients. Conclusions: Physical therapy is an essential element of the complex treatment of ankylosing spondyloarthritis. With the methods of physical rehabilitation and kinesitherapy, control and reduction of pain symptoms, maintenance and preservation of the mobility of the affected joints are achieved.

Keywords: Bekhterev's disease, syndesmophyte, sacroiliitis, physiotherapy, kinesitherapy.