An international task force recently published their recommendations for physical activity and exercise in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While the benefit of physical activity in lupus is already recognized, no recommendations had been previously established.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Rheumatic & Musculoskeletal Diseases, this study outlines specific recommendations for integrating physical activity and exercise into the management of lupus. The authors, including Lupus Research Alliance Scientific Advisory Board member Laurent Arnaud, M.D., Ph.D., note the challenges that both physical activity and exercise pose to people living with the ups and downs of a disease featuring flare-ups and varying levels of severity. Though physical activity and exercise are similar, there are subtle differences–physical activity is defined as any movement of the body’s muscles that expends energy, while exercise is purposeful and repetitive motions aimed at improving physical fitness.
The task force, comprised of rheumatologists, experts from various backgrounds, and people living with lupus, arrived at three overarching principles for incorporating physical activity and exercise:
- Starting physical activity and exercise should be a shared decision between the individual with lupus and their healthcare provider.
- The healthcare provider should explain the benefits of physical activity and exercise to encourage people to follow the recommended program.
- Everyone involved – healthcare professionals, caregivers, and people with lupus – should be informed that physical activity should not be discouraged because of lupus.
Additionally, the task force developed 15 statements to provide information and considerations to ensure the safe integration of physical activity and exercise.
The authors concluded that these guidelines “provide a valuable framework” for people with lupus and their healthcare professionals to incorporate physical activity and exercise into the management of lupus.
