Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in people who have rheumatoid arthritis at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study

The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of CRF and PA in people who have CVD-RA and to investigate the association of CRF with PA in people who have CVD-RA. A total of 24 consecutive patients (19 women) with CVD-RA (>  4% for 10-year risk of fatal CVD development as calculated using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation)—were included in the study. CRF was assessed with a graded maximal exercise test determining maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). PA was assessed with an accelerometer to determine the amount of step count, sedentary, light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes per day. Mean age of patients was 65.3  ± 8.3 years. CRF mean values were 16.3 ± 1.2 ml·kg−1 min−1, mean step count per day was 6033  ± 2256, and the mean MVPA time was 16.7 min per day. Significant positive associations were found for CRF with step count (B = 0.001,P  =  0.01) and MVPA time (B = 0.15,P  =  0.02); a negative association was found for CRF with sedentary time (B =  − 0.02,P  =  0.03). CRF is low and is associated with step count, sedentary time and MVPA time in people who have RA at an increased CVD risk.
Source: Rheumatology International - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research