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Rheumatology

Reformer Pilates Outperforms Mat Pilates in Ankylosing Spondylitis Benefits

Oct 01, 2025

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AT A GLANCE

A new study published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found significant benefits with both reformer and mat Pilates for ankylosing spondylitis (AS); however, the former led to greater benefits for disease activity and fatigue.1


In their recent study, authors Kabul et al. sought compare the effectiveness of two different Pilates exercise methods (mat Pilates vs reformer Pilates) in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

A total of 20 individuals diagnosed with AS were enrolled and split evenly into a reformer Pilates group and a mat Pilates group, where they completed Pilates exercises twice a week for 4 weeks. Spinal mobility was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), disease activity was assessed with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functionality level was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), quality of life was determined with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL), the number of enthesitis was correlated with the Maastrich Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), fatigue was assessed with Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue Scale (MAF), and biopsychosocial status was determined with the Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ). These evaluations were performed both before and after intervention.

According to the authors, significant improvements in BASMI-cervical rotation, BASMI-tragus to wall distance, BASMI-Total, BASDAI, ASQoL, MASES, MAF, and BETY-BQ scores were noted in the reformer Pilates group. Meanwhile, mat Pilates participants achieved significant improvements in BASMI-tragus to wall distance, BASMI-Total, and BASFI scores. Of note, when comparing delta values, a statistically greater improvement in BASDAI and MAF was confirmed in the reformer Pilates group.

“After four weeks, both treatment methods provided significant benefits. In addition, reformer Pilates was found to provide better benefits than mat Pilates in disease activity and fatigue,” conclude the authors.


Reference

1.     Kabul EG, Calik BB, Kuru S, Yigit M. Comparison of two different Pilates exercise methods in individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A randomized controlled study. J Bodyw Mov Ther.2025:44:170–178.