THE EFFECT OF LUPUS AEROBIC EXERCISE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS WITH MILD DISEASE ACTIVITY (MEXICAN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS DISEASE ACTIVITY INDEX 0–5)

Abstract

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that often affects women of productive age and is associated with reduced physical capacity, persistent fatigue, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although exercise benefits patients with SLE, evidence on lupus-specific aerobic exercise (senam lupus) for improving HRQoL in Indonesian patients remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a 6-week senam lupus program on HRQoL in patients with mild SLE. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted in November–December 2024 at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Dr. Kariadi General Hospital and affiliated studios. A total of 25 participants were female adults aged 30–50 years with mild disease activity (MEX-SLEDAI 0–5), able to perform moderate-intensity exercise, and without musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, or neurological comorbidities. All participants completed supervised senam lupus sessions three times weekly for 6 weeks. HRQoL was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results: The 6-week intervention improved SF-36 scores in all domains, notably physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain (p<0,001), general health, role emotional, mental health (p=0,001), vitality (p=0,002), and social functioning (p=0,042). No participant experienced worsening disease activity or exercise-related adverse events. Conclusion: Senam lupus effectively improved HRQoL in patients with mild SLE and was well tolerated. This program may serve as a safe and beneficial therapeutic exercise to support rehabilitation and enhance daily functioning in individuals with SLE.