In ankylosing spondylitis (AS) prolonged inflammation causes a kyphosis posi-tion of spine. It limits the thoracic spine mobility. Changes affect the functional ability, balance and how patients can do self-contained activities every day. Ankylosing spondylitis is treated with physical therapy, regular exercises and necessary medication.

The thesis was commissioned by Oulu University of Applied Sciences. Infor-mation of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is available in literature, but less about its effects on functional ability and how to train when inflammation is in the active and passive phases.

The aim of the project was to plan ankylosing spondylitis patients’ self-motivated guide for physiotherapist students.

I have studied literature dealing with ankylosing spondylitis, pain, functional ability and movement. I have collected the material from the Internet with critical assessment using evidence-based knowledge.

The guide contains information of physiotherapy examinations, pain self-care and maintenance of the physical performance from the point of view of function. At the end of the guide there are pictures attached and instructions of movement, stretching, training muscle strength and balance and endurance training.

The guide helps physiotherapist students familiarize themselves with ankylosing spondylitis, and if necessary they can study more about it. At the end of the guide there are exercises that help students to instruct ankylosing spondylitis patients to do self-contained exercises.