Pulmonary Impairment Does Not Limit Exercise Capacity in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis with Low Disease Activity

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate aerobic capacity and pulmonary function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and compare these to the healthy controls and to investigate the possible relationship between aerobic capacity, pulmonary function and disease-specific measures. Material and Methods: Fourteen AS patients and 14 healthy controls were included in this prospective study. Clinical disease indices (BASDAI: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Assessment Index, BASFI: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, BASMI: The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index) were assessed. Participants completed questionnaires assessing physical activity level and quality of life. Aerobic capacity was assessed by submaximal treadmill test with breath-by-breath gas analysis. Aerobic capacity and pulmonary function tests were performed by an ergospirometry system. Results: The results of exercise tolerance test were similar in both groups (VO_\{{\textbackslash}textrm{2max}} for AS and control group; 40.03±6.1