Combined aerobic and resistance training improves physical and executive functions in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objectives Exercise is considered as an adjuvant therapeutic modality to alleviate symptoms of several rheumatic diseases. However, data regarding the benefits of exercise to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are relatively scant. Methods This study aimed to assess the effects of regular, moderate-intensity, aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on women with SLE who had no regular exercise. Patients were recruited and allocated into either the exercise or control group by their willingness. Patients in the exercise group (n = 12) underwent 12 weeks of combined exercise (five days per week), whereas those in the control group (n = 11) maintained their usual lifestyle. Results At baseline, there were no between-group differences in body composition, disease activity, two-kilometer walking test, and executive function test. After the combined exercise intervention for 12 weeks, significant improvements of both fitness index and reaction time to the stimuli in the go/no-go test were observed in the exercise group, but not in the control group. The disease activities in both study groups did not change significantly at the end of the study period. Conclusion Our results suggest that regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training improves the physical and executive functions of SLE patients without exacerbating disease activity.

Changes in cardiorespiratory function and fatigue following 12 weeks of exercise training in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study

“…Previous studies have also shown improvement in physical fatigue, physical role and vitality domains of 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), but unlike our study, there was no improvement in domains of depression and sleep. Indeed, conflicting results for psychosocial and cognitive function outcomes are reported in the literature, suggesting additional regulators of SLE-fatigue such as psychological factors and pain, may need to be addressed 8 9 11…”

Chronic rheumatologic disorders and cardiovascular disease risk in women

“…Given increased CVD risk, it is important to identify and treat CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, encourage healthy weight and dietary choices, and counsel on tobacco cessation. While pain may prevent patients from being physically active, it is important to encourage regular physical activity as tolerated such as walking, low impact exercises, swimming, and resistance training [81] , [82] , [83] , [84] . Coronary calcium score is a powerful risk marker and predictor of future CVD risk and may be helpful in discussing primary prevention strategies such as statins [85] .…”

Effects of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on neurocognitive performance in obese women

“…(2021) showed that 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training did not change reaction times in women with systemic lupus erythematosus when performing the Stroop task. 21 Therefore, it is worth exploring whether obese individuals experience improvement in their neurocognitive performance in terms of deficits in inhibitory control via a chronic exercise intervention.…”