Postural Response Latencies Are Related to Balance Control During Standing and Walking in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Objective

To understand and examine the relation between postural response latencies obtained during postural perturbations and representative measures of balance during standing (sway variables) and walking (trunk motion).

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

University medical center.

Participants

Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=40) were compared with similar aged control subjects (n=20). There were 20 subjects with MS in the normal walking velocity group and 20 subjects with MS who had slow walking velocity based on a timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) of <5 seconds.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Postural response latency, sway variables, trunk motion variables.

Results

We found that subjects with MS with both slow or normal walking velocities had significantly longer postural response latencies than the healthy control group. Postural response latency was not correlated with the T25FW. Postural response latency was significantly correlated with center of pressure sway variables during quiet standing (root mean square: ρ=.334, P=.04; range: ρ=.385, P=.017; mean velocity: ρ=.337, P=.038; total sway area: ρ=.393, P=.015). Postural response latency was also significantly correlated with motion of the trunk during walking (sagittal plane range of motion: ρ=.316, P=.05; SD of transverse plane range of motion: ρ=−.43, P=.006).

Conclusions

These findings clearly indicate that slow postural responses to external perturbations in patients with MS contribute to disturbances in balance control during both standing and walking.     

来氟米特治疗强直性脊柱炎的疗效观察

目的观察来氟米特治疗强直性脊柱炎的疗效和安全性。方法53例强直性脊柱炎患者给予来氟米特治疗,并随访6月,分别在治疗前、治疗后3个月、6个月记录患者症状、体征、AS活动指数(BASDAI)、AS功能指数(BASFI)、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C-反应蛋白浓度(CRP)。结果在治疗后与治疗前比较,患者的腰背痛、晨僵时间均改善,指地距、BASDAI、BASFI、ESR、CRP均下降(P<0.05);枕壁距、扩胸度、Schober试验改善无统计学意义(P>0.05)。不良反应主要为胃肠道症状和肝功能异常。结论来氟米特治疗强直性脊柱炎有较好的疗效,不良反应轻,易耐受。     

Effectiveness of Exercise Programs in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of exercise programs on disease activity and function in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Bath强直性脊柱炎计量指数量表的信度和敏感度研究

目的:确定Bath强直性脊柱炎计量指数量表在评价强直性脊柱炎患者功能活动受限方面是否具有良好的信度和敏感度。方法:应用Bath强直性脊柱炎计量指数量表(其中包括可较好反映功能状况的颈椎旋转、耳屏至墙距离、侧屈、以改良Scholer's试验为基础的腰椎屈曲和踝间距等5项简单的临床测量项目),对48例强直性脊柱炎患者进行了量表评定。结果:重复测试间无显著差异,变异系数(CV)为2.49%—7.22%(P>0.05);测试者信度较好,相关系数(r)为0.95—0.98(P<0.05);表明Bath强直性脊柱炎计量指数量表对治疗效果改变具有较好的敏感性(P<0.05)。结论:Bath强直性脊柱炎计量指数量表具有较好的信度和可重复性,对强直性脊柱炎的功能状况改变敏感且测量和评定耗时较少。     

The effect of post-stroke lower-limb spasticity on the control of standing balance: Inter-limb spatial and temporal synchronisation of centres of pressure

Background

Challenges in stability control are common post-stroke. Although lower-limb spasticity is a common sensorimotor consequence post-stroke, its potential to further complicate stability control among stroke-survivors remains largely unknown. Advancing such understanding can help inform strategies to reduce fall risk and increase independence among these individuals. The purpose of this study was to characterise the extent of limb-specific dyscontrol among individuals with spasticity.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 131 patients assessed for spasticity was performed. Patients selected for inclusion were categorised into two groups, with (n = 19) or without (n = 63) unilateral lower-limb spasticity. Two force platforms were used to determine the individual-limb and net centres of pressure in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during 30 s of quiet standing. Limb-specific dyscontrol was assessed by calculating weight-bearing symmetry ratios, cross-correlation coefficients at zero phase-shift (temporal synchrony) and ratios of individual-limb root-mean-square displacements (spatial symmetry). Total body postural control was assessed by examining the root-mean-square of the net centre of pressure displacement.

Findings

The group with spasticity bore less weight on the affected limb and exhibited reduced temporal synchrony of centre of pressure displacements. There were no differences in inter-limb root-mean-square centre of pressure ratios or in the root-mean-square of the net centre of pressure displacement.

Interpretation

Individuals with lower-limb spasticity may have additional challenges with stability control, specifically linked to the ability to modify the location of the centre of pressure beneath the affected limb, in a time-sensitive manner so as to contribute beneficially to the control of whole body stability.     

Diagnosing and Managing Spinal Injury in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Background

Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis are at an increased risk of vertebral fractures. These are often unstable, leading to primary and secondary neurological injury and conferring high levels of morbidity and mortality. Fractures in these patients can occur after minimal trauma and are easily missed, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Objectives

To educate health professionals who may be involved in the initial assessment and management of ankylosing spondylitis patients with possible spinal injuries, despite not being spinal specialists.

Case Reports

We present three cases from our own hospital, which illustrate the pitfalls associated with traumatic spinal injury in ankylosing spondylitis. Case 1 shows why delayed presentation of spinal injury is common, as well as demonstrating the need for multiple imaging modalities in some patients. Case 2 is an example of primary neurological injury in this patient group, and case 3 highlights the risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as the effect of multiple comorbidities on patient outcomes.

Conclusions

It is important that staff in the Emergency Department have an understanding of the extreme caution that is needed in the management of possible spinal injuries in patients with or suspected of having ankylosing spondylitis.     

Experimental calf muscle pain attenuates the postural stability during quiet stance and perturbation

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how acute pain changes the postural control and stability during quiet standing and after unexpected perturbations.

Methods

Nine subjects stood as quiet as possible on a movable force platform that recorded the centre of pressure position and provided unexpected floor perturbations, before, during and after experimental calf muscle pain. Bilateral surface electromyography from the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles was recorded. The foot pressure distributions were measured using pressure insoles. Intramuscular injections of hypertonic saline were administrated (right leg) to induce acute pain in the tibialis anterior and/or medial gastrocnemius muscles, and an isotonic injection was used as control.

Findings

Simultaneous pain in tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius altered the postural control. During quiet standing: higher medial-lateral centre of pressure speed and increased total sway displacement (P < 0.05), weight moved to the non-painful side, (P < 0.05) and plantar centre of pressure of the left foot was shifted towards the heel’s direction (P < 0.05). During forward perturbation: higher mean displacement in the medial-lateral direction (P < 0.05). After the perturbation: larger sway area (P < 0.05). Pain only in the medial gastrocnemius muscle increased medial-lateral centre of pressure speed (P < 0.05) during the quiet standing. Pain only in the tibialis anterior muscle increased peak pressure on the contralateral foot (P < 0.05).

Interpretation

These findings suggest that large acute painful areas on the calf muscles impair the postural control and potentially increase the risk factors for falls. Further strategies aiming to reduce pain in patients may lead to improvement in balance.     

Young and older adults use different strategies to perform a standing turning task

Background

Falls are the leading cause of death in adults over 65 years of age. Falls during turning are likely to result in costly and debilitating hip fractures. Two-thirds of adults who fracture a hip will never regain their previous level of independence. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine performance of turning in place in young and older adults.

Methods

Ten young (mean age = 25 years) and 10 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 75 years) performed a standing turning task under two conditions: feet constrained and feet unconstrained. Dependent measures were rotational range of motion of the head-on-trunk, trunk-on-pelvis, pelvis and feet; trunk flexion/extension and knee flexion; and center of pressure range and center of mass range in both the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral directions.

Findings

In both conditions, older adults used less head-on-trunk but more trunk-on-pelvis rotation than the young adults. In the constrained condition, older adults also used more trunk extension and knee flexion than the young adults. In the unconstrained condition, more of the older adults moved their feet (60% vs. 30% of young adults). These differences in segmental motion resulted in greater center of mass movement for the older adults in the constrained but not the unconstrained foot condition.

Interpretations

Older adults show changes in segmental spinal range of motion associated with postural instability while turning in place. Foot movements play an essential role in compensating for these changes and maintaining postural stability.     

Precision control of an upright trunk posture in low back pain patients

Background

Low back pain appears to be associated with impaired trunk postural control, which could be caused by proprioceptive deficits. We assessed control of trunk posture in conditions requiring high and low precision, with and without disturbance of proprioception by lumbar muscle vibration.

Methods

Twenty a-specific low back pain patients and 13 healthy controls maintained a self-chosen upright trunk posture. Initial frontal and sagittal plane angles of an opto-electronic marker on the 12th thoracic spinous process defined the center of a target area on a monitor. Subjects were instructed to stay within that target and visual feedback was provided when they left the target. The precision demand was manipulated by changing target size. The standard deviation of trunk angle quantified precision and mean Euclidian distance to target center quantified accuracy. Ratios of antagonistic co-activation were calculated from trunk muscle electromyography recordings.

Findings

With the small target, visual feedback was present intermittently and patients controlled their trunk as accurately and precisely as healthy controls. For the large target, subjects mostly stayed within the target, and patients were on average 0.18° (31%) less accurate than healthy controls (P = 0.025), due to a larger postural drift. Lumbar muscle vibration deteriorated control over trunk posture in both groups and ratios of antagonistic co-activation did not differ between groups or conditions.

Interpretation

These results indicate that the weighting of proprioceptive feedback from lumbar muscle spindles did not differ between groups and that low back pain patients were less able to detect low frequency drift in posture.     

Assessment of functional ability in younger and older patients with ankylosing spondylitis: performance of the bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) is applicable in older patients with ankylosing spondylitis and whether it shows major differences between younger and older patients with ankylosing spondylitis. DESIGN: BASFI total scores and every BASFI item of 202 patients with ankylosing spondylitis aged >or=60 yr (group A) and 267 patients with ankylosing spondylitis aged 相似文献   

One-year follow-up of two exercise interventions for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term effects on functional and mobility outcomes of two exercise interventions for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. DESIGN: In an extended 12-mo follow-up of a randomized controlled trial, 40 patients who were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis according to the modified criteria of New York, allocated to control or experimental groups using a random numbers table, and who performed their respective exercise program at least three times per month, were included in this long-term study. The control group was treated during 15 sessions with a conventional exercise regimen in ankylosing spondylitis, whereas the experimental group received 15 sessions of exercises based on the treatment of the shortened muscle chains following the guidelines described by the Global Posture Reeducation method. These patients were followed up and assessed again 1 yr after entering the study, re-applying the same validated indexes: BASMI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index [tragus to wall distance, modified Schober test, cervical rotation, lumbar side flexion, and intermalleolar distance]), BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), and BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index). RESULTS: The intragroup comparison between follow-up and post-intervention data showed that both groups decrease their clinical and functional measures during the follow-up period. This decrease was only significant for lumbar side flexion and intermalleolar distance measurements, being more significant in the control group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Intragroup differences between follow-up and pre-intervention assessments revealed that improvements in all mobility measures of the BASMI index and in the BASFI index were partially maintained at the 12-mo follow-up in the experimental group but not in the control group. The intergroup comparison (unpaired t test analysis) between changes on each outcome during the long-term follow-up (post-follow-up; and pre-follow-up) showed no significant differences in the decrease between post-intervention and follow-up data between the study groups. On the other hand, the intergroup comparison between pre-intervention and follow-up data revealed significant differences in almost all mobility measures of the BASMI index (except for cervical rotation) and in the BASFI index, in favor of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: An exercise regimen based on the Global Posture Reeducation method and focusing on specific strengthening and flexibility exercises of the shortened muscle chains offers promising short- and long-term results in the management of patients who have ankylosing spondylitis.     

Structural damage and motion rhythm of the spine and hip during trunk lateral bending in ankylosing spondylitis patients with mild to moderate radiographic signs

BackgroundAnkylosing spondylitis causes structural damage and motion restriction in spine. The study was designed to assess structural damage and incoordination pattern between the spine and hip during trunk lateral bending in ankylosing spondylitis.MethodsTwenty-three healthy adults and 39 adults with ankylosing spondylitis were recruited from a tertiary care medical centre. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis were divided into two subgroups: sacroiliitis or lumbar-level syndesmophytes (n = 27) and thoracic or cervical-level syndesmophytes (n = 12). An inertia motion system was used to record three-dimensional kinematic data during trunk lateral bending.FindingsSignificant differences were observed in lumbar spine syndesmophyte scores, sacroiliitis severity and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index between the subgroups. The cervical supraspinous ligaments thickness revealed difference between the ankylosing spondylitis and control group, but the Glasgow Ultrasound Enthesitis Scoring System did not revealed difference. Motion analysis revealed that the ankylosing spondylitis group had a larger hip, cervical rotation and smaller lumbar-hip rhythm than the control group; however, the other motions of the spine and hip were smaller. The sacroiliitis or lumbar-level syndesmophytes group had the largest thoracic rotation among the three groups.InterpretationThe different lumbar-hip rhythm between ankylosing spondylitis patients depends on syndesmophyte formation levels. Cervical rotation, the Schober test, the chest expansion test, and lumbar–hip rhythm can indicate the levels of bone damage in ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical examination of ankylosing spondylitis should include kinematic measures of both the spine and hips in the early disease stage.     

The influence of an auditory-memory attention-demanding task on postural control in blind persons

Background

In order to evaluate the effect of an auditory–memory attention-demanding task on balance control, nine blind adults were compared to nine age–gender-matched sighted controls. This issue is particularly relevant for the blind population in which functional assessment of postural control has to be revealed through “real life” motor and cognitive function. The study aimed to explore whether an auditory–memory attention-demanding cognitive task would influence postural control in blind persons and compare this with blindfolded sighted persons.

Methods

Subjects were instructed to minimize body sway during narrow base upright standing on a single force platform under two conditions: 1) standing still (single task); 2) as in 1) while performing an auditory–memory attention-demanding cognitive task (dual task). Subjects in both groups were required to stand blindfolded with their eyes closed. Center of Pressure displacement data were collected and analyzed using summary statistics and stabilogram-diffusion analysis.

Findings

Blind and sighted subjects had similar postural sway in eyes closed condition. However, for dual compared to single task, sighted subjects show significant decrease in postural sway while blind subjects did not.

Interpretation

The auditory–memory attention-demanding cognitive task had no interference effect on balance control on blind subjects. It seems that sighted individuals used auditory cues to compensate for momentary loss of vision, whereas blind subjects did not. This may suggest that blind and sighted people use different sensorimotor strategies to achieve stability.     

Effects of Age and Gender on Dynamic Stability During Stair Descent

Objective

To determine the effects of age and sex and their interaction effects on dynamic postural stability during stair descent.

Design

Cross sectional.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants

Healthy younger adults (N=28) and healthy older adults (N=21).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Spatiotemporal gait parameters, displacement of center of mass (COM), instantaneous velocity of the COM, divergence between vertical projection of the COM, and center of pressure (COP).

Results

Interaction effects of age and sex were found in stride duration, COM displacement, and instantaneous velocity of the COM in the mediolateral direction. Older adults demonstrated longer stride duration with shorter double-limb stance and longer single-limb stance during stair descent. Women have significantly longer stride duration than men. The effects of sex and age were significant in the data normalized by height. Older adults and women demonstrated larger peak-to-peak COM displacement, peak instantaneous velocity of the COM, and COM-COP divergence than the younger individuals and men, respectively. Peak instantaneous velocity of the COM was significant different in most pairwise comparisons, but the COM-COP divergence was significantly different in several comparisons.

Conclusions

This study examined the COM and COP parameters to quantify dynamic stability during stair descent across sex and age. Although older women descended stairs successfully, they demonstrated differences in control of instantaneous velocity of the COM compared with the other participants. Dynamic instability could be detected by examining the control of instantaneous velocity of the COM. In developing a better understanding of the balance control of stair descent in healthy older adults, aging patients with various pathologies can be better assessed, appropriately treated, and provided with proper assistive devices.     

中药熏蒸配合功能锻炼在早期强直性脊柱炎康复治疗中的应用

目的探讨中药熏蒸配合功能锻炼在早期强直性脊柱炎患者康复护理中的应用效果。方法40例早期强直性脊柱炎患者随机分为对照组与治疗组,各20例。对照组采用口服药物治疗,配合护理护理措施;治疗组在对照组基础上增加中药熏蒸联合功能锻炼。比较2组患者的Bath强直性脊柱炎病情活动性指数(BASDAI)、Bath强直性脊柱炎功能指数(BASFI)、晨僵时间、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平。结果治疗后,2组BASDAI和BASFI评分均较治疗前下降,晨僵时间均较治疗前缩短,且治疗组BASDAI评分、BASFI评分和晨僵时间改善优于对照组(P<0.01)。治疗后,2组ESR和CRP水平较治疗前下降,且治疗组ESR和CRP水平低于对照组(P<0.01)。结论在常规药物治疗的基础上,配合中药熏洗和功能锻炼可进一步改善早期强直性脊柱炎患者的炎性指标、肢体功能和日常生活质量。     

Standing Data Disproves Biomechanical Mechanism for Balance-Based Torso-Weighting

Objective

To test a proposed mechanism for the effect of balance-based torso-weighting (BBTW) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. The mechanism to be tested is that application of light weights to the trunk may result in a biomechanical shift of postural sway in the direction of weighting, mechanically facilitating maintenance of the center of mass over the base of support.

Design

Nonrandomized controlled trial.

Setting

Motion analysis laboratory.

Participants

Participants with MS (n=20; average Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.1) and controls matched for sex, age, height, and weight (n=18).

Intervention

Light weights strategically placed according to the BBTW protocol were applied to all participants after at least 3 walking trials and 10 seconds of quiet standing with feet together and eyes open and then eyes closed. Measures were repeated after weighting.

Main Outcome Measure

Forceplate center of pressure (COP) changes >1 standard error of measurement.

Results

With BBTW, people with MS had larger maximum changes in COP than healthy controls in the left-right direction but not in the anterior-posterior direction. COP changes >1 standard error of measurement occurred in the same direction of weighting 20% of the time (95% confidence interval, 5–34), ranging from 10% to 28% across conditions and directions of postural sway. Direction of greatest weight placement did not match the direction of change in the average COP in most participants with MS or the healthy controls in eyes open or eyes closed conditions (P<.001).

Conclusions

If BBTW worked via a biomechanical shift of the center of mass, COP changes should match the direction of greatest weighting with BBTW. Our data allowed us to reject this hypothesis. Future research may explore alternative mechanisms of action underlying this intervention.     

The relationship of clinical and laboratory measurements to two different radiological scoring methods in ankylosing spondylitis

Two different methods for scoring the severity of radiological changes in 19 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, using plain X-rays of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints, were assessed in relation to clinical and laboratory measurements. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) and Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (SASSS) were used to evaluate radiologic changes. Disease activity was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). There was no correlation between duration of morning stiffness, night pain, laboratory variables (ESR, CRP, hemoglobin, platelets) and any of the radiological scores. No significant correlation was found between BASDAI and both of the radiological scores. BASRI and SASSS correlated significantly with occiput-to-wall distance, Schober test, and finger-to-fibula distance. There was no significant correlation of radiologic scores with finger-to-floor distance and chest expansion. Right and left SI joint scores correlated significantly with BASRI and SASSS. The good correlation between spinal indexes and lack of correlation between clinical indicators of disease activity supports the notion that these two radiological scoring methods are measures of disease severity or deformity rather than disease activity. Radiological scoring methods are fundamental for the diagnosis and progression in AS and BASRI may be a more practical and appropriate method.     

The neural adjustment of postural response through community-based daily exercises in elderly persons

Background

Reflecting the rapidly aging population, community-based interventions in the form of physical exercise have been introduced to promote the health of elderly persons and prevent falls. Postural response is the critical neural response for preventing falls. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of long-term daily exercise on neural adjustment in postural response elucidated by sudden postural perturbation.

Methods

Twenty-six community-based elderly persons (13 men and women; 69.8 ± 0.5 years old) participated in this study. Daily exercise was composed of walking for longer than 30 min, stretching, muscle strengthening and balance exercise, and was continued for 3 months. Postural responses were induced by fore or aft horizontal displacement of a platform with a force plate. Center of pressure on the force plate and electromyography of the rectus femoris, tibia anterior, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius were measured in postural response.

Findings

Following the 3 months of physical intervention, the amplitude and timing of the center of pressure excursion did not change, whereas the amplitude of muscular activities of the lower leg muscles required for the response significantly decreased. Furthermore, the onset of muscular activation of the lower leg muscles was significantly shortened following the intervention.

Interpretation

In conclusion, we showed that a program composed of 3 months of comprehensive exercise modulated the output of the postural response through a neural adjustment in the timing and amplitude of the muscular activation.     

Between-limb synchronization for control of standing balance in individuals with stroke

Background

During standing, forces and moments exerted at the feet serve to maintain stability in the face of constant centre-of-mass movement. These actions are temporally synchronized in healthy individuals. Stroke is typically a unilateral injury resulting in increased sensori-motor impairment in the contra-lesional compared with the ipsi-lesional lower-limb, which could lead to reduced between-limb synchronization for control of standing balance. The purpose of this study is to investigate between-limb synchronization of standing balance control in individuals with stroke; a potentially important index of control of upright stability.

Methods

Twenty healthy controls and 33 individuals with unilateral stroke were assessed. Stability was assessed during a 30-second quiet standing trial by measuring data from two force plates (one per foot). Limb-specific centre of pressure was calculated. Between-limb synchronization was defined as the coefficient of the correlation between the left and right foot for both the antero-posterior and medio-lateral centre of pressure time series. Synchronization, weight-bearing symmetry, and root mean square of the total centre of pressure excursion were compared between controls and stroke participants.

Findings

Stroke participants swayed more, were more asymmetric, and had less between-limb synchronization than healthy controls. Among individuals with stroke, reduced between-limb synchronization was related to increased postural sway in the medio-lateral direction and increased weight-bearing asymmetry.

Interpretation

Individuals with stroke have reduced temporal synchronization of centre of pressure fluctuations under the feet when controlling quiet standing. The clinical significance of reduced synchronization remains to be determined, although it appears linked to increased medio-lateral sway and weight-bearing asymmetry.     

Effects of Multidisciplinary Team-Based Nurse-led Transitional Care on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of transitional care by a nurse-led multidisciplinary team (MDT) on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.MethodsA randomized control study design was used. Subjects were allocated randomly to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received intensive transitional care by a nurse-led MDT, whereas the control group received routine nursing care. Disease activity, spinal mobility, comprehensive function, health service utilization, and quality of life were assessed at the baseline and at six months with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), a health service utilization questionnaire and version 2 of the Short Form-36 health survey.ResultsCompared with the baseline, the BASDAI, BASFI, emergency visits, hospitalizations, hospitalization days, and bodily pain, vitality, mental health, total score, and average score of version 2 of the Short Form-36 health survey were improved in the experimental group (p < .05), whereas only bodily pain, vitality, and role-emotional were improved in the control group (p < .05). At six months, the experimental group exhibited significantly more improvement on the BASDAI, BASFI, hospitalizations, all domains except Role-physical as well as total score and average score (p < .05) compared with the control group.ConclusionA MDT-based nurse-led transitional care improves clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Future research should be carried out on modes of follow-up and family support.