Predicting general health perception and exercise habits in ankylosing spondylitis

The aims of this study were to describe changes over time in work, civil status, exercise habits, medication, self-reported disease activity, activity limitation, general health perception and body functions, and to predict self-reported general health perception and exercise habits, in 50 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) according to the modified New York criteria. Logistic regressions were used to identify predictors. Exercise frequency decreased and general health perception improved significantly over time, while all other variables remained stable. Predictors for good general health perception were low activity limitation, good general health perception, full-time work and living alone. Predictors of exercise >= 2/week were long symptom duration, previous exercise habits, high disease activity and living alone. We believe our study has contributed to the prediction of exercise habits and good general health perception in AS by suggesting ways of establishing what variables might be important to consider. The ability to identify those individuals who are likely to maintain good health and healthy exercise habits leaves room for physiotherapists to direct resources to those who need more support.