How to Use the Bath Indices to Assess and Manage Your AS
Living with Axial Spondyloarthritis (AS) means tuning in regularly to how your body is doing. That’s where the Bath Indices come in – a globally recognised set of four assessments that help you track your AS symptoms, function, mobility, and general wellbeing over time.
They’re simple enough to do at home, and incredibly useful when it comes to self-managing your AS, adapting your yoga practice, and having more informed conversations with your healthcare team.
Table of Contents:
1. What Are the Bath Indices?
2. Why Use the Bath Indices for AS Self-Care?
3. The Four Bath Indices Explained
• 1. BASDAI
• 2. BASFI
• 3. BAS-G
• 4. BASMI
4. How to Measure BASMI at Home
5. Next Steps After Recording Your Scores
6. Final Thoughts
What Are the Bath Indices?
The Bath Indices are a set of four assessments developed through research and used globally to measure the impact of AS. Three are self-assessments, and one requires basic physical measurements with help.
Together, they give you a personal AS score out of 10 that helps you track your condition over time.
Request your previous scores from your healthcare team
Keep a record of all your assessments
Ask to receive scores routinely in future appointments
These assessments help you and your Rheumatology team make better decisions together – including what kind of yoga is safe and beneficial for you.
Final Thoughts
The Bath Indices give you more than just numbers – they give you insight, control, and a stronger foundation for self-care. Yoga for AS is here to help you use those insights to move better, feel stronger, and live well.