The association between rheumatoid arthritis and reduced estimated cardiorespiratory fitness is mediated by physical symptoms and negative emotions: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) than healthy individuals. We sought to identify variables explaining the association between RA status and reduced CRF.

Methods

RA patients recruited from two Norwegian hospitals and blood donors recruited as controls filled in questionnaires about physical activity, physical symptoms, and psychological factors. Estimated CRF (eCRF) was calculated from non-exercise models. The relationship between RA status and reduced eCRF was explored with structural equation modelling. The latent variables physical symptoms (based on morning stiffness, joint pain, and pain in neck, back, or hips) and negative emotions (based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale's Depression score and Cohen's p

SUBMITTER: Houge IS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10038374 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature