To identify questionnaires and scales used measuring ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients’ functions, disability and health as well as determining whether these instruments can be matched to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Therefore, comparing the results with available ICF Core Set for AS.

We searched PubMed in English from January 2001 to December 2016 using the search term: ankylosing spondylitis. Among all searched literatures, AS specific questionnaires and scales were identified and classified. Based on the ICF framework, each item of all included instruments was extracted and interpreted into ICF categories.

A total of 15 questionnaires, involving reviewed 295 articles, were identified. A total of 112 items were analyzed and a total of 148 concepts covered these rest 99 items, left 13 items not being linked to ICF concepts. Sixty-nine linked to body function, 21 to body structure, 50 to activities and participation and 8 to environment factors. In the body function component, most questionnaires covered sensation of pain, mobility of joint functions and muscle stiffness as well as movement. In the activities and participation component, most questionnaires covered body position changing and maintaining, lifting and carrying objects as well as carrying out daily routine. We recommend the Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis Working Group 5/6 improvement criteria (ASAS5/6) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) for well-balanced and comprehensive distribution of four ICF contribution.

The research may help choose the proper questionnaire in clinical and research setting on the framework of ICF with comprehensive functioning assessment.