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Relation between chest expansion, pulmonary function, and exercise tolerance in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
L R Fisher1, M I Cawley, S T Holgate
1Department of Rheumatology, Southampton General Hospital.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis patients with limited chest expansion can maintain exercise tolerance through regular cardiorespiratory fitness. Maintaining fitness is crucial for work capacity despite reduced spinal mobility.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
- Reduced chest expansion and lung function are common in AS patients.
- The impact of these limitations on exercise tolerance and working capacity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chest expansion, lung function, and exercise tolerance in AS patients.
- To determine the factors influencing working capacity in individuals with AS.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three patients with definite ankylosing spondylitis were assessed.
- Measurements included chest expansion, lung vital capacity, and maximum oxygen capacity (VO2max).
- VO2max was used as a measure of exercise tolerance, with all values expressed as a percentage of predicted normal.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between chest expansion and lung vital capacity.
- Lung vital capacity was also significantly associated with exercise tolerance (VO2max).
- Chest expansion itself did not significantly impact exercise tolerance in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Patients with AS can maintain satisfactory working capacity despite significant spinal and chest wall immobility.
- Regular, modest exercise is key to maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity.
- Emphasis should be placed on promoting cardiorespiratory fitness alongside spinal mobility in AS management.