A Systematic Study on the Elevated Risk of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Adolescents Engaged in Intense Physical Exercise

This study explores the connection between intense physical activity during adolescence and the development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in individuals with the HLA-B27 antigen, a genetic marker for AS. A systematic review of literature from 2014 to 2024 focused on adolescents aged 15-24 with genetic predispositions. The findings indicate that adolescents with the HLA-B27 antigen who engage in heavy weight exercise face an increased risk of developing AS, as mechanical stress may trigger inflammation in genetically predisposed individuals. However, not all HLA-B27 positive individuals who exercise intensely develop AS, suggesting that other genetic and environmental factors also play a role. The study concludes that strenuous exercise may significantly contribute to AS onset in genetically predisposed adolescents.