Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of Sanban manipulation of spine on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at the early-middle stage.Methods 60 AS patients at the early-middle stage were divided into drug group (n=30) and manipulation group (n=30). The drug group wastreated with sulfasalazine and the sustained-release pills of Zhengqingfengtongning, while the manipulation group were treated with Sanbanmanipulation of spine additionally. Self-developed questionnaire were used to follow up before and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. ResultsThe Schober index and the finger-floor distance improved more in the manipulation group than in the drug group (P<0.05) 3 months aftertreatment. All the index improved more in the manipulation group than in the drug group (P<0.05) 6 months after treatment. ConclusionSanban manipulation of spine can improve the thoracolumbar activities in the AS patients at the early-middle stage.

Key words: ankylosing spondylitis, Sanban manipulation of spine, activity