Effects of physical activity counselling in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomized controlled trial

Background Low physical activity is common in systemic lupus erythematosus populations. Aim To evaluate the effect of physical activity counselling on physical activity and the association between physical activity changes and changes in fatigue, quality of sleep, and quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods A randomized, controlled, single‐blind trial was conducted from March 2015 to August 2016. Seventy‐six women with systemic lupus erythematosus were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group received three sessions of physical activity counselling at 1, 4, and 8 weeks and three telephone follow‐ups over 13 weeks. Outcome measures, which include daily steps, fatigue, quality of sleep, and the quality of life, were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks. Results The study showed that daily steps, quality of sleep, and vitality in the intervention group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. Mental health was significantly improved only at week 8 in the counselling group. A positive correlation between physical activity changes and changes in vitality and mental health was observed. Conclusions Physical activity counselling can improve physical activity. As physical activity increases, systemic lupus erythematosus women feel more energetic and happier. SUMMARY STATEMENT What is already known about this topic? Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have inactive lifestyles, and few of them exercise regularly. Patients with SLE have poor aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Fatigue, poor sleep, and low quality of life are common in patients with SLE. What this paper adds? The five A's physical activity counselling model is feasible and can enhance SLE patients' physical activity levels. Vitality and mental health improvement are associated with an increase in physical activity. The implications of this paper: Health care professionals could provide physical activity counselling to SLE patients during every clinical visit. Health care professionals could encourage patients with SLE to use a pedometer as a monitor to record their daily steps.