Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
Effects of exercise interventions on core health outcomes in patients with SLE: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Exercise is an effective non-pharmacological therapy in SLE management, improving several physical and psychological outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Adults diagnosed with SLE according to ACR/EULAR criteria
- Participants
- 470 adults12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Exercise vs control
- Outcome
- Core health outcomes (Hedges' g)
Methodological detailsPRISMA 2020, Hedges' g, ROB-2, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)
- PRISMA 2020
- Hedges' g
- ROB-2
- GRADE
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Fatigue: g=−0.53, 95% CI −0.81 to −0.25, p<0.001
- Physical function: g=0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.68, p<0.001
- Aerobic capacity: g=0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.71, p<0.001
- Depression: g=−0.36, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.09, p=0.01
- Pain: g=−0.53, 95% CI −0.86 to −0.20, p<0.001
- Disease activity, no significant change: g=0.18, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.51, p=0.30
- GRADE: moderate for fatigue, physical function, depression and pain; low for other outcomes
Further pooled results
Subgroup analyses
- Greater benefits suggested with moderate-intensity programmes lasting 8-12 weeks
Original publication
Effects of exercise interventions on core health outcomes in patients with SLE: systematic review and meta-analysis. Lupus Sci Med. Published 29 June 2026. doi:10.
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