Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis

RAQoL is a disease-specific instrument consisting of 30 items scored as yes/no. Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating poorer quality of life. The Turkish version has established validity and reliability.

HAQ evaluates functional ability in daily living activities using 20 items. Each item is scored from 0 (no difficulty) to 3 (unable to perform). The final score is calculated as the average of item scores, ranging from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating worse functional status.

VO₂ max (mL/kg/min) is measured using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. It is considered the gold standard for assessing aerobic capacity.

The 6MWT evaluates submaximal exercise capacity. Participants are instructed to walk as far as possible within 6 minutes on a 30-meter corridor. Total walking distance (meters) is recorded. Higher distances indicate better functional capacity.

BDI is a 21-item self-reported questionnaire assessing depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.

FSS is a 9-item scale assessing fatigue severity using Likert-type responses. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity.

Pain intensity is measured on a 10 cm visual analog scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst possible pain.

DAS-28 is a composite index including tender/swollen joint count, ESR or CRP levels, and patient global assessment. Lower scores indicate lower disease activity.

C-reactive protein (CRP) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)

RAQoL is a disease-specific questionnaire consisting of 30 yes/no items. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating poorer quality of life.