Progressive resisted exercise program combined with aerobic exercise on osteoporotic systemic lupus erythematous patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Purpose: To investigate the effect of progressive resisted exercise (PRE) and aerobic exercise (AE) on bone mineral density (BMD), muscular strength, exercise capacity, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with osteoporotic systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Methods: This study was a single blinded randomized controlled trail. Eighty SLE participants,
30–50 years old, were randomly allocated into four equal groups. Group A received PRE and AE, group B received AE, group C received PRE, and group D received traditional medical treatment only. The intervention was implemented three days/week for six months. BMD was measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, muscle strength was measured by an isokinetic device, exercise capacity was measured by 6-min walk test, and HRQoL was measured by short form 36(SF-36). Every outcome was
assessed at baseline, six months, and nine months. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the groups in knee muscle strength, exercise capacity, and HRQol after 6 months (p < 0.05) in favor of the combined group. BMD increased
significantly in the combined and PRE groups compared to the AE and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PRE combined with AE were more beneficial than either exercise alone in improving knee muscle strength, exercise capacity, and HRQoL.