The Effects of Exercise Training on Functional Aerobic Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background/

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with impaired functional capacity, persistent fatigue, and poor health-related quality of life despite advances in pharmacological therapy. Exercise training has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention, but its efficacy and safety remain incompletely defined. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise training on functional aerobic capacity and quality of life in adults with SLE.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PEDro was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials published up to October 2022, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 619 participants were included. Exercise interventions were heterogeneous and comprised aerobics, resistance, combined programs, vibration training, home-based protocols, and counseling strategies, with durations ranging from 6 weeks to 12 months. Supervised aerobic and combined interventions consistently improved functional aerobic capacity, while quality of life benefits were reported across several domains, particularly physical health, vitality, and fatigue. Additional positive effects were observed on fatigue, depression, pain, sleep, insulin sensitivity, and self-care ability, without evidence of increased disease activity.

Conclusions

Structured exercise is safe and can meaningfully enhance functional capacity and quality of life in patients with SLE, supporting its incorporation into multidisciplinary clinical management.