Exercise habits among patients with ankylosing spondylitis. A questionnaire based survey in the County of Västerbotten, Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating exercise habits among patients with ankylosing spondylitis, their clinical status and what mainly restrains these patients from exercising. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design study 189 patients completed a self-administrated questionnaire regarding their exercise habits and their clinical status. RESULTS: A majority of the patients reported that they performed exercises. The most popular form of exercise was walking. Pool exercise was perceived to relieve the symptoms more than any other exercise and was also rated as the most enjoyable form of exercise. The main obstacle to exercise was lack of time, followed by fatigue. A small number of patients experienced aggravation of symptoms with exercise. CONCLUSION: A majority of AS patients exercise, although the frequency of the exercise was low for many patients. The main obstacle to exercise was lack of time and fatigue.