Abstract：Objective To investigate the effect of ginger moxibustion combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on joint function of patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS). Methods 〓Totally 40 AS patients were assigned to the observation group(n=20)and the control group(n=20). Patients in both two groups received routine care and functional training during treatment, and those in the observation group were given ginger moxibustion combined with rehabilitation gymnastics. The serum level of C-reactive protein(CRP)and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were measured before and three months after intervention. The thoracic Range of Motion(ROM), Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)on pain during night, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index(BASDAI)and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index(BASFI)were assessed and compared between two groups. Results 〓At three months after treatment, the level of CRP and ESR were lower in the observation group than those in the control group(P0.01). Patients in the observation group had a better improvement of thoracic ROM compared with that of controls(P0.01). The scores of VAS, BASDAI and BASFI were decreased in both two groups at three months after treatment, and were lower in the observation group than those in the control group(P0.01). Conclusion 〓The ginger moxibustion combined with rehabilitation gymnastics is potentially effective to improve the joint function of AS patients.
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