Associations Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Arterial Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective. To assess associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)peak), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, measured by arterial stiffness, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods. VO(2)peak was assessed by a maximal walking test on a treadmill. Arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively (Sphygmocor apparatus). Cross-sectional associations between VO(2)peak and arterial stiffness were analyzed using backward multivariable linear regression. Results. Among 118 participating patients, there were significant inverse associations between VO(2)peak and arterial stiffness, independent of traditional CVD risk factors and measures of disease activity. Conclusion. Reduced CRF may be related to increased risk of CVD in AS.