Exercise improves vascular endothelial function in RA patients

  To study the effects of strength training versus aerobic exercise on microvascular as well as macrovascular function in patients with RA.  Forty age-, sex-, and BMI-matched RA patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: one group received moderate aerobic and strength training for 6 months, and one group was only informed of the benefits of exercise. Microvascular function (Ach and SNP) and macrovascular function (flow-mediated dilation and glyceryl trinitrate), maximal oxygen uptake, disease activity, and severity (CRP, DAS28, and HAQ questionnaire) were evaluated. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months at endpoint.  Results showed that baseline demographic characteristics, anthropometric and disease-related characteristics, and parameters related to endothelial function were similar (p>0.05). Repeated measures analysis of the variables suggested significant improvements in endothelial function parameters at 3 months (GTN: p<0.001) and 6 months (Ach:p=0.016, SNP: p=0.045, FMD: p=0.016) in the exercise group and no change in the control group. Generalized estimating equations showed that maximal oxygen uptake was a strong predictor of changes in ACH (p=0.009) as well as GTN (p<0.001), while logcrp was a predictor of snp (p=0.017) as well as gtn (p=0.008).  The conclusions show that a tailored exercise program significantly improves microvascular as well as macrovascular function in RA patients. The potential long-term benefits of physical training for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients need further study.