title: Nonpharmacologic therapies in spondyloarthritis.
abstract: It is accepted that the optimal management of spondyloarthritis requires a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Non-pharmacologic therapy in spondyloarthritis has generally focused on the exercise regimens whose purpose is to maintain mobility and strength, relieve symptoms, prevent or decrease spinal deformity, contribute to long-term cardiopulmonary health, and improve overall function and quality of life. Exercise programs such as home exercise, group exercise, inpatient programs, and spa exercise have all been the subject of multiple reports that are reviewed here. Studies reviewed support the use of exercise, spa therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapeutic modalities. Additional topics that are finding relevance in spondyloarthritis are the behavioral interventions that maximize knowledge, motivation for compliance, and healthy lifestyle choices including smoking cessation, weight management, diet, and probiotics. However, the quality and generalizability of the studies are limited.
authors.affiliation: Dallas VA Medical Center and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. Electronic address: Andreas.Reimold@utsouthwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Andreas M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Reimold
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: vchandra@uhnresearch.ca.
authors.forename: Vinod
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chandran
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Behavioral therapy; Diet; Obesity; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Smoking