Objective To improve the effect of functional exercise in stay-at-home patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Methods A total of 67 outpatients with ankylosing spondylitis were randomized into a control group （n=34） and an intervention group （n=33） using a random number table.The control group exercised according to the functional exercise program, 5 times a week, 30 minutes each time.While according to the functional exercise program, the intervention group exercised based on fragmented time. Three months after the intervention, the compliance of functional exercise, the improvement of Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index （BASFI）, morning stiffness, pain, occipital wall distance and thoracic mobility were compared between the two groups. Results After the intervention, the compliance of functional exercise in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the improvement of morning stiffness, occipital wall distance, thoracic mobility and BASFI in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group （P＜0.05 for all）. Conclusion Implementation of the functional exercise program based on fragmented time for stay-at-home patients with ankylosing spondylitis is helpful to increase their compliance of functional exercise, improve their symptoms and spinal function, and enhance their activities of daily living ability.