Ankylosing Spondylitis

Adults with ankylosing spondylitis had lower VO2max, worse lung function, more restricted spinal mobility, lower walking distance, higher frailty, and lower physical activity than matched controls. The study treated ankylosing spondylitis disease burden as a multidimensional construct rather than disease activity alone. The authors interpret AS-related impairment as extending beyond inflammation to accumulated effects across joints, posture, respiratory mechanics, physical function, and activity behavior.