Tele-Rehabilitation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Current Evidence and Future Directions in Remote Physiotherapy.

BACKGROUND

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory condition that primarily affects the axial skeleton, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations. While physiotherapy plays a critical role in the management of AS, access to in-person services remains limited, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness and feasibility of tele-rehabilitation for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis and to identify future directions for optimising remote physiotherapy in clinical practice.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across four major databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2008 and 2025 were selected using keywords such as ankylosing spondylitis, tele-rehabilitation, remote physiotherapy, and digital health. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and observational studies that evaluated remote physiotherapy interventions for AS. Inclusion criteria focused on non-pharmacological, exercise-based interventions delivered via digital or telecommunication platforms.

RESULTS

The reviewed studies demonstrate that tele-rehabilitation can provide outcomes comparable to traditional physiotherapy in terms of pain reduction, improved mobility, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Digital platforms were also found to improve accessibility, adherence, and cost-efficiency. However, challenges such as inconsistent programme designs, technological barriers, and limited long-term outcome data were noted.

CONCLUSION

Tele-rehabilitation represents a promising adjunct or alternative to conventional physiotherapy for managing ankylosing spondylitis. Future research should aim to develop standardized protocols, improve technological accessibility, and conduct long-term evaluations to support integration into mainstream healthcare.