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Objectives: Normal age-related decline and temporary restrictions in mobility complicate the understanding of spinal mobility deterioration over time in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this study, we aimed to determine whether spinal mobility deterioration occurred linearly in patients with AS. We also aimed to compare patterns of change with corresponding age-related normal values and analyze variations in temporary fluctuations in mobility measurements over time.

Methods: We included 111 men and 30 women (median age 20.9 years at symptom onset), who were followed for median 34 years since symptom onset. This resulted in 9 697 spinal mobility measurements for analysis. Individual linear regression models for development of lateral spinal flexion (LSF), 10 cm Schober test (ST10), chest expansion (CE), and cervical rotation (CR) were analyzed and compared with normal age-related decline over time.

Results: The median values for the constants of all measurements were significantly lower than the norm data. However, LSF, ST10, and CE followed a yearly linear decline comparable to the norm data, whereas CR declined about twice as fast as expected from the norm data (beta median [25th-75th percentile]: -0.62° [-1.16°, -0.22°] and -0.35° [-0.35°, -0.35°]), respectively. Temporary fluctuations in LSF and CE were significantly higher during the early phase of the disease, with decreasing residuals over time.

Conclusion: Based on median constants of our data, mobility restrictions related to AS seem to mainly occur during the first years of disease, indicating a narrow window of opportunity for prevention.

Objective: Rheumatoid cachexia (RC) is prevalent among patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although changes in muscle mass and fat mass have been reported in early RA, these findings have not been classified according to existing RC definitions. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of RC and associated variables in patients with early RA.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 87 patients. Body composition was evaluated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry after a median disease duration of 15 months. RC was defined as a fat-free mass index < 10th percentile and fat mass index > 25th percentile. We also assessed the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, aerobic capacity, physical activity, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, functional disability, and sociodemographic data. Associations between RC and the independent variables were determined with logistic regression analyses.

Results: The prevalence of RC was 24%. RC was significantly associated [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] with aerobic capacity [0.28 (0.09–0.89), p = 0.030], low-intensity physical activity [0.77 (0.60–0.99), p = 0.048], body mass index [0.78 (0.70–0.92), p = 0.002], waist circumference [0.96 (0.92–0.99), p = 0.023], body weight [0.94 (0.90–0.98), p = 0.004], and ESR at the time of diagnosis [1.02 (1.00–1.05), p = 0.033]. All of these associations remained significant after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusion: RC was highly prevalent in early RA. Patient outcome may be improved by detecting this condition early and applying treatments for improving inflammation, aerobic capacity, physical activity, and body composition.

Objective: Although physical activity is an evidence-based intervention that reduces disease-related symptoms and comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the effect of physical activity on self-reported function and quality of life (QoL) has not yet been analyzed. The present study synthesizes the evidence for the effectiveness of physical activity on QoL and self-reported function in adults with RA, spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Screening, risk of bias assessment (using the RoB 2.0 tool), and data extraction were independently performed by 2 or more of the authors. Meta-analyses were conducted with a random-effects model.

Results: Systematic review included 55 RCTs, and meta-analysis included 37 RCTs. Of the 55 studies included, 76%, 20%, and 4% were designed to investigate RA, SpA, and PsA, respectively. In the RA studies, effects of physical activity on QoL and function were found compared to the group of inactive controls; no effects were found compared to the group of active controls. In the SpA studies, the effects of physical activity on QoL were in favor of the control group. Effects of physical activity on function were found compared to the group of inactive controls and sustained in fatigue and pain when compared to the group of active controls. In the PsA studies, no effects on QoL were found, but effects on function were noted when compared to the group of inactive controls. The effect size was below 0.30 in the majority of the comparisons.

Conclusion: Physical activity may improve QoL and self-reported function in individuals with RA, SpA, and PsA. However, larger trials are needed, especially in SpA and PsA.

Objective: We aimed to determine relationships between objectively measured nightly sleep, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Furthermore, we aimed to estimate consequences for these risk factors of theoretical displacements of 30 minutes per day in one behavior with the same duration of time in another.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 78 patients with early RA. Nightly sleep, SB, LPA, and MVPA were assessed by a combined heart rate and accelerometer monitor. Associations with risk factors for CVD were analyzed using linear regression models and consequences of reallocating time between the behaviors by isotemporal substitution modeling.

Results: Median (Q1-Q3) nightly sleep duration was 4.6 (3.6-5.8) hours. Adjusted for monitor wear time, age, and sex, 30-minutes-longer sleep duration was associated with favorable changes in the values β (95% confidence interval [CI]) for waist circumference by -2.2 (-3.5, -0.9) cm, body mass index (BMI) by -0.9 (-1.4, -0.4) kg/m2 , body fat by -1.5 (-2.3, -0.8)%, fat-free mass by 1.6 (0.8, 2.3)%, sleeping heart rate by -0.8 (-1.5, -0.1) beats per minute, and systolic blood pressure by -2.5 (-4.0, -1.0) mm Hg. Thirty-minute decreases in SB, LPA, or MVPA replaced with increased sleep was associated with decreased android fat and lower systolic blood pressure levels. Replacement of SB or LPA with MVPA yielded lower BMIs.

Conclusion: Shorter sleep during the night is common among patients with early RA and is associated with adverse risk factors for CVD.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate aerobic capacity and its associations with disease activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 67 patients with early RA. Aerobic capacity was estimated with the Åstrand submaximal test adjusted according to the Nord‐Tröndelag Health Study formula. The following were also assessed: subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid intima‐media thickness and pulse wave analysis; body composition by dual X‐ray absorptiometry; estimated CVD mortality risk by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation; disease activity by the Disease Activity Score 28, C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate; blood lipids by total cholesterol, low‐density lipoproteins, high‐density lipoproteins, and triglycerides; and functional ability by the Stanford health assessment questionnaire. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between variables.

Results: The mean (SD) aerobic capacity was 31.6 (8.7) ml O₂⁻¹ kg min⁻¹. Disease activity and risk factors for CVD were more favourable for patients with aerobic capacity above the median value. Aerobic capacity was associated with ESR and several CVD risk factors, independent of age and sex. In a multiple regression model that was adjusted for age and sex, aerobic capacity was significantly associated with per cent body fat (β = −0.502, 95% CI [−0.671, −0.333]) and triglycerides (β = −2.365, 95% CI [−4.252, −0.479]).

Conclusions: Disease activity and risk factors for CVD were in favour for patients with a higher aerobic capacity. Aerobic capacity was associated with disease activity and several risk factors for CVD, independent of age and sex. In RA, these findings may provide insights into the benefits of using aerobic capacity as a marker to prevent CVD.

Objective: To evaluate the course of impaired spinal mobility in patients with long‐standing well‐defined ankylosing spondylitis (AS ).

Methods: Data from 232 patients with AS (186 men, 46 women) and 3,849 clinical measurements performed between February 1980 and June 2016 were analyzed. Lateral spinal flexion (LSF ), the 10‐cm Schober test, chest expansion (CE ), and cervical rotation measurements were stratified by disease duration at 10‐year intervals and compared with published age‐ and height‐adjusted spinal mobility reference intervals as well as with fixed reference values commonly used in clinical practice.

Results: After 10 years of AS , most patients exhibited at least 1 measurement, most commonly LSF , that was under the 2.5th percentile of the adjusted reference interval (53% of men, 65% of women). In all measurements except CE , there were significant linear increases in the proportion of patients during 40 years of disease duration who exhibited impaired mobility. Measured LSF values <2.5th percentile (mean 14.8 cm) after 10 years were associated with further spinal mobility impairments later in the disease course. Fixed reference values yielded higher proportions of patients with impaired mobility compared with adjusted reference intervals.

Conclusion: Impaired spinal mobility in AS is common after a 10‐year disease duration. LSF below the 2.5th percentile at 10 years appeared to be associated with a worse prognosis. Fixed reference values overestimated spinal mobility impairments in AS and should be avoided.

Objective: To investigate associations between physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), subclinical atherosclerosis, and disease activity in patients with early and long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method: This cross-sectional study included 84 patients with early and 37 with long-standing RA (disease duration, mean ± sd: 1.4 ± 0.4 and 16.3 ± 2.3 years, respectively). Physical activity was measured using a combined accelerometer and heart-rate monitor. Further assessments were disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints), functional ability (Health Assessment Questionnaire), risk factors for CVD (blood lipids, i.e. triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein; blood glucose, blood pressure, sleeping heart rate, waist circumference, body mass index, and body fat), and subclinical atherosclerosis (pulse-wave velocity, augmentation index, and carotid intima–media thickness).

Results: Physical activity variables did not differ between patients with early and long-standing RA. However, 37% of the patients with early and 43% of those with long-standing RA did not reach the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). In a final multiple regression model, adjusted for age, gender, disease duration, and activity monitor wear time, higher total physical activity was associated with lower body fat and higher functional ability. With the same adjustments, more time spent in MVPA was associated with lower high-density lipoprotein and lower sleeping heart rate.

Conclusions: Physical activity was associated with more favourable risk factors for CVD. However, many patients were physically inactive, stressing the importance of promoting physical activity in RA.

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), partially attributable to systemic inflammation and traditional risk factors for CVD. Since physical activity (PA) is strongly related to CVD in the general population, the aim of this thesis was to describe aspects of PA in patients with RA, and further to analyse associations with disease activity, traditional risk factors for CVD and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods: In papers I and II, newly diagnosed RA patients were followed for two (n=66) and mean (SD) 16 (2) (n=25) years respectively. Disease activity and aerobic capacity were measured in both groups.​ In paper II, the 25 patients were also examined for traditional risk factors for CVD, body composition, with pulse wave analysis and carotid ultrasound. Self-efficacy was assessed using a questionnaire. In paper III, a combined heart rate and movement monitor was used to measure PA in 84 patients with early (<2 years) and 37 patients with long-standing (mean [SD] 16 [2] years) RA. Data were analysed for associations with disease activity, traditional risk factors for CVD and subclinical atherosclerosis, as above. Finally, in paper IV, a pilot study including 13 patients, median (Q1-Q3) age 57 (44-64) years, was conducted to analyse the feasibility as well as the effects of ten weeks of spinning exercise, on aerobic capacity, traditional risk factors for CVD and inflammation.

Results: In papers I and II, aerobic capacity was maintained at follow-up. In paper I, median (Q1-Q3) aerobic capacity was 31 (27-39) ml/kg x min at baseline and 33 (25-38) ml/kg x min after two years. In paper II, median (Q1-Q3) aerobic capacity was 32 (28-42) ml/kg x min at baseline and 33 (28-39) ml/kg x min after 16 years. In multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for baseline aerobic capacity, disease activity during the first two years after diagnosis explained 53 % of the aerobic capacity level after 16 years [b=-0.14, p<0.004]. Higher aerobic capacity was associated with more favourable measures of risk factors for CVD and self-efficacy over time and at follow-up. In paper III, 37 % of the patients with early and 43 % of the patients with long-standing RA, did not reach the national recommendations of PA. Total PA as well as more time spent in moderate to vigorous PA were associated with more favourable risk factors for CVD. Patients with higher disease activity and functional disability were less physically active. In paper IV, intensive spinning exercise proved to be a feasible method, that significantly improved aerobic capacity, systolic blood pressure and the number of tender joints.

Conclusions: Aerobic capacity, which could be maintained despite several years of disease, was related to risk factors for CVD and to self-efficacy. Higher disease activity in early disease predicted lower aerobic capacity after 16 years. Higher PA level was associated with a more beneficial cardiovascular profile, however, an insufficient level of PA was found in a substantial proportion of patients. Furthermore, we found, that intensive spinning exercise was a feasible method for the group included, to improve aerobic capacity and blood pressure without detrimental effects on disease activity. Physical activity and aerobic capacity have roles to play in the cardio protective management and are, as other modifiable risk factors, suggested to be estimated regularly. Higher disease activity is known to increase the risk of CVD in RA, and as disease activity also seems to negatively impact future aerobic capacity, interventions and support for health enhancing PA should have high priority in these patients. 

The aim of this study was to analyse the change in aerobic capacity from disease onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 16.2 years, and its associations with disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors. Twenty-five patients (20 f/5 m), diagnosed with RA 1995-2002 were tested at disease onset and after mean 16.2 years. Parameters measured were: sub-maximal ergometer test for aerobic capacity, functional ability, self-efficacy, ESR, CRP and DAS28. At follow-up, cardiovascular risk factors were assessed as blood lipids, glucose concentrations, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), body composition, pulse wave analysis and carotid intima-media thickness. Aerobic capacity [median (IQR)] was 32.3 (27.9-42.1) ml O₂/kg x min at disease onset, and 33.2 (28.4-38.9) at follow-up (p>0.05). Baseline aerobic capacity was associated with follow-up values of: BMI (r_s = -.401, p = .047), waist circumference (r_s = -.498, p = .011), peripheral pulse pressure (r_s = -.415, p = .039) self-efficacy (r_s = .420, p = .037) and aerobic capacity (r_s = .557, p = .004). In multiple regression models adjusted for baseline aerobic capacity, disease activity at baseline and over time predicted aerobic capacity at follow-up (AUC DAS28, 0-24 months; β = -.14, p = .004). At follow-up, aerobic capacity was inversely associated with blood glucose levels (r_s = -.508, p = .016), BMI (r_s = -.434, p = .030), body fat% (r_s = -.419, p = .037), aortic pulse pressure (r_s = -.405, p = .044), resting heart rate (r_s = -.424, p = .034) and self-efficacy (r_s = .464, p = .020) at follow-up. We conclude that the aerobic capacity was maintained over 16 years. High baseline aerobic capacity associated with favourable measures of cardiovascular risk factors at follow-up. Higher disease activity in early stages of RA predicted lower aerobic capacity after 16.2 years.

Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is known to reduce this risk in the general population but the cardiovascular effects in patients with RA need further study. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of spinning exercise on the traditional risk factors for CVD, aerobic capacity and inflammation in patients with RA.

Methods: Thirteen subjects (12 females, 1 male; median age 57 years) attended intensive spinning sessions lasting 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 10 weeks. Measurements at baseline and at 10 and 25 weeks were aerobic capacity, pulse wave analysis with aortic and peripheral blood pressure (BP), disease activity (CRP, ESR, tender and swollen joints and global health assessment), blood lipid levels, body mass index (BMI), functional ability, and subjective diary notes. Friedman's test and the paired Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to measure changes over time. Correlation analyses were made by the Spearman rank correlation method.

Results: There were significant improvements over time in aerobic capacity, systolic BP, BMI and tender joint count (p<0.05). After 10 weeks the subjects showed significant improvements in terms of aerobic capacity (+7 ml O2/kg x min; p<0.05), systolic BP (-10.8 mm Hg; p<0.01) and tender joint count (p<0.05). After 25 weeks there was still a significant improvement in systolic BP (p<0.05) compared to baseline.

Conclusions: Intensive spinning exercise for 10 weeks induced a clinically relevant improvement in aerobic capacity and BP. No detrimental effect on disease activity was recorded.