Journal article
Telehealth-supervised exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study
Lupus, Vol.32(4), pp.508-520
01/04/2023
PMID: 36803286
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
Objectives
To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth-supervised exercise for adults with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods
This was a non-randomised controlled pilot trial comparing telehealth-supervised exercise (8 weeks, 2 days/week, 45 min, moderate intensity) plus usual care with usual care alone. Mixed methods were used to assess change in fatigue (FACIT-fatigue), quality of life (SF36), resting fatigue and pain (11-point scale), lower body strength (five-time sit-to-stand) and endurance (30 s sit-to-stand), upper body endurance (30 s arm curl), aerobic capacity (2 min step test), and experience (survey and interviews). Group comparison was performed statistically using a two-sample T-test or Mann–Whitney U-test. Where known, we used MCID or MCII, or assumed a change of 10%, to determine clinically meaningful change within groups over time. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Fifteen female adults with SLE were included (control group n = 7, exercise group n = 8). Statistically significant differences between groups, in favour of the exercise intervention, were noted for SF36 domain emotional well-being (p = 0.048) and resting fatigue (p = 0.012). There were clinically meaningful improvements over time for FACIT-fatigue (+6.3 ± 8.3, MCID >5.9), SF36 domains physical role functioning (+30%), emotional role functioning (+55%), energy/fatigue (+26%), emotional well-being (+19%), social functioning (+30%), resting pain (−32%), and upper body endurance (+23%) within the exercise group. Exercise attendance was high (98%, 110/112 sessions); participants strongly agreed (n = 5/7, 71%) or agreed (n = 2/7, 29%) they would do telehealth-supervised exercise again and were satisfied with the experience. Four themes emerged: (1) ease and efficiency of exercising from home, (2) value of live exercise instruction, (3) challenges of exercising at home, and (4) continuation of telehealth-supervised exercise sessions.
Conclusion
Key findings from this mixed-method investigation suggest that telehealth-supervised exercise was feasible for, and well-accepted by, adults with SLE and resulted in some modest health improvements. We recommend a follow-up RCT with more SLE participants.
Details
- Title
- Telehealth-supervised exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study
- Creators
- Stephanie Frade - University of Southern QueenslandSean O’Neill - The University of SydneySamantha Walsh - Australian Catholic UniversityChloe Campbell - University of Southern QueenslandDavid Greene - Australian Catholic UniversityStephen P. Bird - University of Southern QueenslandMelainie Cameron - University of Southern Queensland
- Publication Details
- Lupus, Vol.32(4), pp.508-520
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- Healthy work options University of Southern Queensland (https://doi.org/10.13039/501100001795)
- Identifiers
- 991013372606502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article