Comparison of Exercise Capacity, Physical Activity Level and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Healthy Individuals

Abstract Background This study investigated physical activity, peripheral muscle strength, exercise capacity, sleep, fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Material and Methods Twenty-six patients with SLE, median age 32.5 (25–43) years, and 29 healthy individuals, median age 30 (23–32) years, were included. Exercise capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT)), peripheral muscle strength (dynamometer), physical activity (Mi Band 4 smart band), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HAD)), quality of life (SLE-specific QOL scale (SLEQoL)) and sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) were assessed. Results Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. 6MWT distance, peripheral muscle strength, physical activity level, SLEQoL and PSQI scores were significantly lower, while FSS and HAD scores were higher in patients with SLE (p<0.05). Moreover, pre-test and post-test heart rates, dyspnea and fatigue severity scores were higher in patients with SLE than in healthy individuals (p<0.05). Conclusion Patients with SLE had lower exercise capacity, muscle strength, physical activity, quality of life and sleep quality, along with more common fatigue, anxiety and depression. Strategies need to be developed to improve these symptoms in patients with SLE for a favourable outcome.