Recommendations for integrating physical activity and exercise in the management of SLE

Despite the potential benefits, integrating physical activity and exercise into the management strategies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains challenging, and dedicated recommendations have not yet been established.

Here, we summarize an article published by Blaess et al. in RMD Open on consensus-based recommendations on physical activity and exercise in patients with SLE.¹

Methods¹

• An international task force was established comprising 17 specialists from various backgrounds, and two patients with SLE.
• Based on evidence from a systematic literature review on physical activity and exercise in SLE, recommendation statements were formulated, and a Delphi process was used to achieve consensus.
• Level of agreement was rated between 0–10, where 0 indicated total disagreement and 10 indicated total agreement.

Key findings¹

• Three overarching principles (Figure 1) and 15 recommendations (Figure 2) were agreed on by the Delphi consensus.

SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus.
*Adapted from Blaess, et al.¹

 

SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; WHO, World Health Organization.
*Adapted from Blaess, et al.¹

 

Key learnings

The overarching principles highlight the importance of shared decision-making between patients and physicians, as well as effective communication within the multidisciplinary team. The recommendation statements emphasize the important role of adapted physical activity in SLE, while also considering disease activity, possible contraindications, and comorbidities before initiating physical activity and exercise. Implementation of these tailored evidence-based and eminence-based recommendations into clinical practice will enhance the wellbeing of people living with SLE.