Living with lupus presents unique challenges, but integrating regular physical activity into daily routines can significantly enhance quality of life. Exercise offers numerous benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving mental well-being. Importantly, Exercise Physiologists are well equipped to assist individuals living with lupus by designing tailored exercise interventions to help address their specific needs.
Key Benefits of Exercise for Lupus Management
- Strengthening Vital Organs: Lupus can affect various organs, including the heart, lungs, bones, and joints. Engaging in regular physical activity helps strengthen these areas, enhancing overall health and resilience.
- Reducing Inflammation: Exercise has been demonstrated to modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing systemic inflammation that is associated with lupus. This effect can contribute to fewer flare-ups and improved disease management.
- Managing Weight and Medication Side Effects: Many medications commonly prescribed for the management of lupus can have a weight gain side effect. Regular physical activity aids in weight management and helps counteract other side effects, promoting better overall health.
- Enhancing Joint Mobility and Reducing Stiffness: Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, can alleviate joint stiffness and improve range of motion, making daily activities more manageable.
- Boosting Mental Health: Regular exercise has been linked to improved mood and mental wellbeing. As physical activity can help promote an individual living with lupus engage in more meaningful activity it can also help facilitate greater mental health benefits.
The Role of Exercise Physiologists
Exercise Physiologists can play an important role in the management for people living with lupus by:
- Conducting Comprehensive Initial Assessments: Evaluating physical capabilities and limitations to design safe and effective exercise plans.
- Monitoring Progress: Tracking improvements and adjusting programs as needed to ensure continued benefit and safety.
- Providing Education and Support: Teaching individuals about the importance of exercise and how to incorporate it into daily life, while also addressing concerns related to lupus symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by incorporating regular physical activity into the routine of individuals living with lupus, it can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health. Exercise Physiologists can play an important role in providing safe and individual guidance to help people living with lupus best manage their condition and promote their quality of life.
Written By Uplift EP, Lachlan Haines
References:
Lupus Foundation of America. (n.d.). Five benefits of exercise for managing lupus, click here
Blaess, J. et al. (2024). Recommendations for physical activity and exercise in persons living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): consensus by an international task force. RMD Open, 10(2), e004171., click here
Frade, S. et al. (2021). Exercise as adjunctive therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(10), CD014816, click here
