Correlation coefficients (r_s) for aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) at baseline in relation to other variables at follow-up.

<p>The correlations were calculated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient method.</p

Flowchart over inclusion and exclusion process.

<p>Flowchart over inclusion and exclusion process.</p

Descriptive data of 25 patients with RA at baseline and at follow-up.

<p>Data are presented as median with inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3), mean with standard deviation (SD) or number (%) when appropriate. In comparisons over time, the p-value refers to Wilcoxon signed ranks test or t-test.</p

Simple linear regression coefficients for variables at baseline associated with aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) at follow-up.

<p>Simple linear regression coefficients for variables at baseline associated with aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) at follow-up.</p

Measures of cardiovascular risk factors at follow-up for the whole group (n = 25) and separately for patients with high and low aerobic capacity.

<p>Data are presented as median with inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3). In comparison between groups, the p-value refers to Mann-Whitney U-test.</p

Multiple linear regression model.

<p>Variables in early disease associated with aerobic capacity (ml/kg/min) at follow-up.</p