Experts agree that pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments have complementary roles and can be positive in both the initial and continuing treatment of AS patients. Nonpharmacologic treatments include patient education and exercise therapy. Appropriate exercise is particularly important for patients with ankylosing spondylitis to maintain their function and posture. Its role is mainly to relieve muscle spasm and reduce pain; stretch the joint capsule and ligaments to prevent their shortening and prevent or reduce ankylosis and deformity of the spine and peripheral joints; maintain good thoracic mobility; prevent or reduce muscle atrophy of the limbs due to disuse; maintain bone density and strength to prevent osteoporosis; and maintain whole-body mobility. 2005 international evidence-based medicine also proved the positive role of exercise therapy in the AS International evidence-based medicine also proved the positive role of exercise therapy in the treatment of AS in 2005.