Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2026.65.01.13

The Effects of Therapeutic Exercise for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Frane Grubišić orcid.org/0000-0002-3429-0849 ; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia *
Hana Skala Kavanagh ; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Ines Doko Vajdić ; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Simeon Grazio ; Department of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are characterized
by functional disability, pain, alteration in body composition and extra-articu-
lar comorbidities, among which cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most
notable. The affected group of patients is less physically active and exercises
less frequently than the general population, possibly due to physical limitations
related to their disease. Increasing physical activity can reduce the impact of
systemic inflammation. In patients with IRDs and concomitant CVDs, including
additional cardiovascular rehabilitation interventions may improve symptoms
and patients’ overall functioning, increase health-related quality of life and de-
crease CVD risks.

Keywords

Rheumatoid arthritis; Psoriatic arthritis; Axial spondyloarthritis; Cardiovascular rehabilitation

Hrčak ID:

345839

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345839

Publication date:

27.3.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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