The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients requires a combination of non-pharmacological (education, exercise and physical therapy), as well as pharmacological treatment modalities. The optimal management of AS still remains unresolved. The aim of this study was to measure and compare the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) at -110∘C and at -60∘C and exercise therapy alone on disease activity and the functional parameters of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (1). Ninety-two patients were allocated to three groups: with WBC at -110∘C or at -60∘C (each concurrent with exercise therapy), or exercise therapy alone. Disease activity and the functional parameters of the patients were measured at study entry and at the end of the 8-day treatment. The results showed that therapy, irrespective of the program, led to a significant reduction in disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index: BASDAI, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score: ASDAS-CRP), disease-related back pain, fatigue, duration and intensity of morning stiffness and a significant improvement in the patient's functional capacity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index: BASFI), spine mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index: BASMI) and chest expandability, with no changes in the levels of CRP. It has been demonstrated that following therapy, the group that underwent cryotherapy at -110∘C manifested significantly reduced disease activity (BASDAI) compared with exercise therapy only.