Abstract
Objectives(1) Assess the health-related physical fitness of adults with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and compare these to the general population, and (2) examine the relationships between physical fitness and condition-specific outcomes. DesignCross-sectional, controlled study. SettingExercise research laboratory. ParticipantsThirty-nine adults with AS (32 men, 7 women) and 39 age- and gender-matched controls. InterventionComprehensive physical fitness assessment, and completion of questionnaires assessing disease activity, physical function and quality-of-life. Main outcome measuresBody composition was assessed by bio-impedance analysis. Flexibility was measured with the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by submaximal treadmill test with breath-by-breath gas analysis and heart rate monitoring. Muscular strength and endurance were measured by isokinetic dynamometry of concentric knee flexion/extension. ResultsThe AS group demonstrated significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness [mean difference −1.3mLmin−1kg−1 (95% CI −1.1 to −1.4)], flexibility [0.4 BASMI units (0.2 to 0.7)], muscular strength [−31.6 peak torque per body weight dominant knee extension (−56.1 to −7.1)], and increased body fat [0.4% (0.0 to 1.2)] compared to population controls (p<.05). There were significant associations between each fitness component and physical function (p<.05). Higher aerobic capacity was significantly associated with improved quality-of-life. Fitness was not significantly associated with disease activity. ConclusionAdults with AS have significantly reduced health-related physical fitness compared to population controls. Decreased body fat, and higher aerobic capacity, muscular fitness and flexibility are significantly associated with improved function. These findings have implications for clinicians assessing adults with AS, and for targeted-exercise prescription in this cohort.
Published Version
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