Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis run?
Sep 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is often referred to as强制性脊柱炎 (ankylosing spondylitis). Whether patients with AS can run depends on their disease status. If the condition is in a stable phase, with no significant joint pain or limitation of movement, moderate running is generally permissible. However, if the disease is in an active phase, or if there is severe spinal or hip joint deformity and poor joint mobility, running is not recommended.
Whether patients with ankylosing spondylitis can run depends on their disease status. If the condition is in a stable phase without significant joint pain or mobility limitations, running may generally be appropriate. However, if the disease is in an active phase or there is severe spinal or hip joint deformity with poor joint mobility, running is not recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the patient's condition has remained stable for a long time, with no significant low back or joint pain or stiffness, and spinal and hip joint function is nearly normal, then running may be performed appropriately, depending on the individual's physical condition. Running can enhance cardiopulmonary function, strengthen lower limb muscles, and help maintain joint flexibility, but intensity and duration should be controlled, with slow running preferred.
If the patient's condition is in an active stage, with significant low back pain and joint swelling, or if disease progression has caused spinal deformity, limited hip joint mobility, or an inability to maintain a normal running posture, running is not suitable. At this stage, running may exacerbate the inflammatory response, intensify pain, or even cause joint damage, which is detrimental to disease management.
To ensure safe participation in exercise, patients with ankylosing spondylitis should perform adequate warm-up exercises before running, mobilizing the neck, lower back, hips, and other joints. When running, choose flat terrain and comfortable running shoes, maintain proper posture, and avoid slouching or hunching forward.
