The Effect of Additional Inspiratory Muscle Strengtening on Aerobic Exercise in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Preliminary Study

: Background: Aerobic exercise, an effective and safe nonpharmacological treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), does not prevent muscle strength decline that has been proven to be predictor of decreased functional capacity. A decrease of inspiratory muscle strength had been demonstrated in SLE. This study aimed to explore the effect of adding inspiratory muscle strengtening (IMS) to aerobic exercise in SLE patients. Method: A quasi experimental study with pre-post test was conducted. Study sample was 11 patients low lupus activity disease state (LLDAS), age 20-50 years, normal body mass index. Interventions were aerobic exercise (3 times/week, moderate intensity, 20 minutes, using treadmill) and IMS (3 times/week, low intensity, using respironic tresshold). The outcomes were inspiratory and handgrip muscle strength, cardiopulmonal and handgrip muscle endurance. Results: The median of inspiratory muscle strength (49.66 vs 65.00 cmH 2 O) and handgrip (11.00 vs 14.67 kilograms) increased (P<0.005) significantly prior compared to after exercise. The median of cardiopulmonary endurance (432.00 vs 480.00 meters) also increased (P<0.005) significantly but not handgrip muscle endurance (1.50 vs 2.36 minutes). Conclusion: The addition of inspiratory muscle strengtening to aerobic exercise did not only increase cardiopulmonary function but also handgrip muscle strength which is usefull in daily activities.