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Aerobic Exercise in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Pilot Study Characterizing Aerobic Exercise in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Exercise SLE Pilot).

Status
Terminated
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03186794
Enrollment
24
Registered
2017-06-14
Start date
2018-02-22
Completion date
2021-02-25
Last updated
2022-05-10

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Autoimmune Disease, Lupus, Rheumatic Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Keywords

Rehabilitation, Fatigue

Brief summary

Background: As many as 1.5 million Americans are living with systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus). Lupus makes people very tired. It also makes it hard for people to be physically active. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise training helps people with heart or lung illnesses be less tired and more active. Researchers want to use an exercise training program on people with Lupus to see if it has the same results. Objectives: To find out if aerobic exercise helps people with Lupus be less tired and more active. Eligibility: Women ages 21-80 who have Lupus and are not physically active. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. They will have heart and lung tests, as well as blood and urine tests. They will also answer questions about their quality of life and take a test that measures lupus activity. The study will last 14-16 weeks. For the first two study visits, participants will do treadmill exercise tests and answer more quality of life questions. For these treadmill tests, participants will wear sensors, a mask, or a mouthpiece while they exercise. Participants will then begin exercise training, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. At each of these visits, they will walk very fast for 30 minutes on a track or a treadmill. Each visit will last about 1 hour. At the halfway point of the study, participants will repeat some of the screening tests. This visit will last about 3 hours. At the end of the study, participants will repeat the screening tests. They will also repeat the treadmill exercise tests.

Detailed description

We propose a single-arm exploratory study to characterize the responses and adaptations to aerobic exercise in women who have mild to moderate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) uncomplicated by organ damage that would limit participation. This is a pilot study to provide additional preliminary data to support a future U01 application. Persistent, excessive fatigue is among the three most debilitating symptoms of SLE and is cited by as many as 50% of patients as the single most debilitating symptom. We have observed, in women with mild SLE, significant relationships among deficits in work capacity and oxygen consumption obtained during treadmill exercise and patient reported measures of fatigue severity. Clinically significant functional aerobic impairment was present in these women, suggesting an underlying pathophysiological limitation that restricted cardiorespiratory capacity to well below that expected to occur as a result of normal deconditioning due to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. We have also observed prolonged rest to steady state metabolic transition during even submaximal exercise in women with SLE . At peak exercise, muscle oxygenation deficiency was apparent despite normal increases in central circulatory oxygen delivery to the active muscles. Muscle tissue studies in other laboratories have implicated muscle basal lamina thickening as an oxygen diffusion barrier, which could possibly diminish the rate of tissue oxygen uptake and restrict cardiorespiratory capacity. Aerobic exercise training could improve cardiorespiratory capacity in women with SLE and with that improvement precipitate a reduction in their fatigability, particularly if that fatigability is mediated by impaired cardiorespiratory function. Our research team is uniquely qualified to undertake this research and is one of the few teams possessing the experience and background necessary for contributing to this novel, understudied, yet critical field of rehabilitation research. For example, in addition to Dr. Keyser's studies on cardiorespiratory dysfunction in women with SLE, our team has studied the effects of an intense aerobic exercise-training program in individuals who have pulmonary hypertension (PH) or interstitial lung disease (ILD), two conditions associated with autoimmune diseases such as SLE. In fact, several of the subjects had SLE and the majority had autoimmune diseases of somewhat similar etiology. Our results demonstrated improved cardiorespiratory function and diminished fatigability in these patients, without serious adverse events, following a 10-week regimen of intense aerobic exercise training. Adherence to the protocol was over 90% in both subject subsets and there were no serious adverse events in either of these groups. Subjects of the proposed research will be between 21 and 80 years of age and living within a reasonable travel distance from the greater Washington D.C. area. Subjects will be recruited from the NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Intramural Research Program (IRP) Lupus Clinics. All tests and exercise training will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center. There will be a single treatment condition consisting of 12-weeks of supervised treadmill walking, three times a week, for 30 minutes per session, at an intensity of 70-80% of the subject's heart rate reserve. The primary outcome measure for our trial will be the time taken to attain the anaerobic threshold, which is a performance marker of fatigability that is unaffected by patient motivation or perception. Secondary outcome variables will include other measures of cardiorespiratory capacity measured during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with accompanying pulmonary gas exchange, central circulatory function (including heart function and an optional measures of peripheral blood flow), and muscle oxygenation analyses. A number of questionnaires will also be completed including: Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). All of these data will be obtained before and after aerobic exercise training. Study Impact: Aerobic exercise is generally safe, inexpensive, and can easily be made available and accessible to almost everyone. It requires no approval by regulatory agencies and is thus available as a medically prescribed and supervised intervention almost immediately following confirmation of its safety and efficacy. Effective use of aerobic exercise training as a cardiorespiratory, rehabilitative intervention could have a high degree of impact on personal and public health outcomes.

Interventions

30 minutes of continuous treadmill walking at a target intensity or use of an interval approach in which walking at the target will be sustained at smaller training interval durations of no shorter than 5 minutes followed by an active rest interval that is no longer than 1.5 times the training interval until the subject achieves a total exercise time of 30 minutes, excluding the rest intervals. Each session will last about 60 minutes but slightly longer if an interval approach is used.

Sponsors

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
21 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Fulfilling 4 of the 11 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for the Classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus * Age 21 to 80 * Female Gender * BMI less than 40 * No primary or secondary medical conditions that would limit aerobic capacity or make exercise participation unsafe. (These conditions are found under the

Exclusion criteria

listed below and include cardiovascular disease and cardiomyopathy, pulmonary and pulmonary vascular disease, stroke, significant hepatic or renal dysfunction, most cancers, diabetes mellitus, HIV infection, and peripheral vascular disease.) * SELENA-SLEDAI score less than or equal to 4, maintained for at least three months. (C3 and C4 levels are measured as markers for stability and included in the SELENA-SLEDAI score if abnormal). * No increase in doses of immunosuppressive medications (hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, methotrexate) for at least three months at the time of screening. * No increase in the dose of prednisone or equivalent steroid in the past 3 months at the time of screening. * Physically inactive, not participating in aerobic exercise training at heart rate above 60% maximum heart rate, 20 min/session or more, 2 or more days per week, within the last 6 months at the time of screening. * Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) composite score greater than or equal to 3 indicating the presence of clinically significant fatigue * Subjects must be able to walk on a treadmill

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in the Time Taken to Attain the Anaerobic Threshold (AT)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The anaerobic threshold (AT) is an objective measure of fatigability, and is determined from gas exchange variables during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the time taken to attain the AT by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in fatigability and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. CPET measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in the Time Constant for Oxygen Uptake KineticsBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The oxygen uptake kinetics is an objective measure of fatigability, determined from oxygen uptake measures during a square-wave exercise test. The time constant is the time taken to reach 63% of the steady state response. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the time constant by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The square-wave exercise test was done before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Performance Fatigability Index (PerfFI)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The performance fatigability index (PerfFI) is a measure of fatigability. The PerfFI was determined during a 10-minute walk test (10MWT). The average velocity of 10MWT was divided by the average velocity achieved over the first 2.5 minutes (decline in performance), then further divided by the total distance walked on the 10MWT (an index of intensity) multiplied by 1000. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the PerfFI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The 10MWT measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Perceived Fatigability Index (PercFI)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The perceived fatigability index (PercFI) is a measure of fatigability. The PercFI was determined during a 10-minute walk test (10MWT) by rating their perceive tiredness on a 7-point Likert scale after the test. The score is divided by the total distance walked on the 10MWT, multiplied by 1000. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the PerfFI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The 10MWT measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Depression DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The depression domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more depression being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in depression domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in depression and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in depression. The PROMIS-57 profile was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Fatigue DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The fatigue domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in fatigue domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigue and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigue. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Physical Function DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The Physical Function domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more physical function being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in physical function domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in physical function and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in physical function. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Sleep Disturbance DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The Sleep Disturbance domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more sleep disturbance being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in sleep disturbance domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in sleep disturbance and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in sleep disturbance. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Muscle OxygenationBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)Muscle oxygenation is indicated by tissue saturation index (TSI), which is the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin divided by total hemoglobin in percent. This is evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Peak TSI is determined at the end of the CPET representing the lowest muscle oxygenation during volitional exercise. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in peak TSI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value may indicate better muscle oxygenation capacity and a positive value may indicate no change or reduction in muscle oxygenation capacity. The CPET was performed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Interference DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The pain interference domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more pain interference being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in pain interference domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in pain interference and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in pain interference. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Intensity ScoreBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. Pain intensity is scored from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in pain intensity domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in pain intensity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in pain intensity. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus, National Assessment Modification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)SELENA-SLEDAI is a 24-item weighted index measure of disease activity at time of assessment or in the preceding 10 days. It consists of clinical and laboratory variables, with a minimum score of 0 and maximum score of 105. Higher scores represent greater disease activity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in SELENA-SLEDAI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in disease activity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in disease activity. The SELENA-SLEDAI was assessed once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)SLICC/ACR-DI is a 41-item instrument used to assess damage since lupus disease onset. Clinical assessment is made in 12 different organ systems, and a sum total from all organ scales are computed. A minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 47 is possible with higher scores indicating more damage. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in SLICC/ACR-DI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates no change in damage since disease onset and a positive value indicates increase in damage since disease onset. The SLICC/ACR-DI was assessed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The ability to participate in social roles and activities domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more ability to participate in social roles and activities. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in ability to participate in social roles and activities domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in ability to participate in social roles and activities and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in ability to participate in social roles and activities. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Cardiac FunctionBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)Cardiac function is indicated by cardiac output, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps in 1 minute. It is defined mathematically as the product of the heart rate and cardiac stroke volume. This is measured using bioimpedance cardiography (a non-invasive method of capturing cardiodynamic variables) during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Peak cardiac output is determined at the end of the CPET representing the highest cardiac output during volitional exercise. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in peak cardiac output by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in cardiac function and a negative value indicates no change or worsening in cardiac function. The CPET was performed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses fatigue severity on a 7-point Likert scale. The FSS score is an average of the total score for the 9-items, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7. A higher FSS score indicate more fatigue severity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in FSS average scores by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigue severity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigue severity. The FSS questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).
Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Anxiety DomainBefore 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The anxiety domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more anxiety being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in anxiety domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in anxiety and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in anxiety. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

24 subjects were consented. 20 subjects started the study. 2 subjects were screen failure and 2 subjects were withdrawn due to pandemic closure.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)
Participants with systemic lupus erythematosus participated in a 12-week aerobic exercise training program. Exercise was performed on a treadmill, three times a week for 30 minutes at target training intensity of 70 - 80% of heart rate reserve \[(0.7 to 0.8 \* peak heart rate - resting heart rate)+ resting heart rate\]
20
Total20

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000
Overall StudyPhysician Decision2
Overall StudyWithdrawal due to COVID-19 pandemic closure2

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicAerobic Exercise Training (AET)
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
1 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
19 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
9 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
11 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
9 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
20 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 20
other
Total, other adverse events
12 / 20
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 20

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Perceived Fatigability Index (PercFI)

The perceived fatigability index (PercFI) is a measure of fatigability. The PercFI was determined during a 10-minute walk test (10MWT) by rating their perceive tiredness on a 7-point Likert scale after the test. The score is divided by the total distance walked on the 10MWT, multiplied by 1000. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the PerfFI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The 10MWT measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-10 minute walk test (10MWT)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Perceived Fatigability Index (PercFI)-0.43 Units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.55
Primary

Change in Performance Fatigability Index (PerfFI)

The performance fatigability index (PerfFI) is a measure of fatigability. The PerfFI was determined during a 10-minute walk test (10MWT). The average velocity of 10MWT was divided by the average velocity achieved over the first 2.5 minutes (decline in performance), then further divided by the total distance walked on the 10MWT (an index of intensity) multiplied by 1000. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the PerfFI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The 10MWT measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-10 minute walk test (10MWT)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Performance Fatigability Index (PerfFI)-0.12 Units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.09
Primary

Change in the Time Constant for Oxygen Uptake Kinetics

The oxygen uptake kinetics is an objective measure of fatigability, determined from oxygen uptake measures during a square-wave exercise test. The time constant is the time taken to reach 63% of the steady state response. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the time constant by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigability and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. The square-wave exercise test was done before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-square-wave exercise test

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in the Time Constant for Oxygen Uptake Kinetics-12.6 SecondsStandard Deviation 20.4
Primary

Change in the Time Taken to Attain the Anaerobic Threshold (AT)

The anaerobic threshold (AT) is an objective measure of fatigability, and is determined from gas exchange variables during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in the time taken to attain the AT by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in fatigability and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigability. CPET measurement was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in the Time Taken to Attain the Anaerobic Threshold (AT)93.3 SecondsStandard Deviation 82.2
Secondary

Change in Cardiac Function

Cardiac function is indicated by cardiac output, which is the amount of blood the heart pumps in 1 minute. It is defined mathematically as the product of the heart rate and cardiac stroke volume. This is measured using bioimpedance cardiography (a non-invasive method of capturing cardiodynamic variables) during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Peak cardiac output is determined at the end of the CPET representing the highest cardiac output during volitional exercise. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in peak cardiac output by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in cardiac function and a negative value indicates no change or worsening in cardiac function. The CPET was performed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post bioimpedance cardiography measurements with CPET

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Cardiac Function1.3 L/minStandard Deviation 4.1
Secondary

Change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses fatigue severity on a 7-point Likert scale. The FSS score is an average of the total score for the 9-items, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7. A higher FSS score indicate more fatigue severity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in FSS average scores by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigue severity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigue severity. The FSS questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)-1.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Secondary

Change in Muscle Oxygenation

Muscle oxygenation is indicated by tissue saturation index (TSI), which is the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin divided by total hemoglobin in percent. This is evaluated using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Peak TSI is determined at the end of the CPET representing the lowest muscle oxygenation during volitional exercise. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in peak TSI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value may indicate better muscle oxygenation capacity and a positive value may indicate no change or reduction in muscle oxygenation capacity. The CPET was performed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who performed pre- and post-NIRS measurements during the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Muscle Oxygenation-2.2 Percentage of TSI signalStandard Deviation 2.8
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The ability to participate in social roles and activities domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more ability to participate in social roles and activities. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in ability to participate in social roles and activities domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in ability to participate in social roles and activities and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in ability to participate in social roles and activities. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities Domain1.0 T-scoreStandard Deviation 5.3
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Anxiety Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The anxiety domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more anxiety being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in anxiety domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in anxiety and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in anxiety. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Anxiety Domain-3.5 T-scoreStandard Deviation 7
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Depression Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The depression domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more depression being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in depression domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in depression and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in depression. The PROMIS-57 profile was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Depression Domain-4.8 T-scoreStandard Deviation 6.4
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Fatigue Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The fatigue domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in fatigue domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in fatigue and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in fatigue. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Fatigue Domain-6.0 T-scoreStandard Deviation 4.5
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Intensity Score

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. Pain intensity is scored from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in pain intensity domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in pain intensity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in pain intensity. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Intensity Score-0.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.8
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Interference Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The pain interference domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more pain interference being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in pain interference domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in pain interference and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in pain interference. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Pain Interference Domain-3.9 T-scoreStandard Deviation 10.8
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Physical Function Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The Physical Function domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more physical function being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in physical function domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A positive value indicates improvement in physical function and a negative value indicates no improvement or worsening in physical function. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Physical Function Domain3.6 T-scoreStandard Deviation 4.8
Secondary

Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Sleep Disturbance Domain

The PROMIS-57 profile is a self-reported questionnaire assessing quality of life in various domains. The Sleep Disturbance domain is scored on a 5-point Likert scale and converted into standardized T-scores with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 based on a US general population. Higher scores indicate more sleep disturbance being measured. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in sleep disturbance domain by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in sleep disturbance and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in sleep disturbance. The PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire was done once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who completed pre- and post-PROMIS-57 profile questionnaire

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57 Profile): Sleep Disturbance Domain-2.4 T-scoreStandard Deviation 4.3
Secondary

Change in Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus, National Assessment Modification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI)

SELENA-SLEDAI is a 24-item weighted index measure of disease activity at time of assessment or in the preceding 10 days. It consists of clinical and laboratory variables, with a minimum score of 0 and maximum score of 105. Higher scores represent greater disease activity. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in SELENA-SLEDAI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates improvement in disease activity and a positive value indicates no improvement or worsening in disease activity. The SELENA-SLEDAI was assessed once before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who were assessed for SELENA-SLEDAI at pre- and post-exercise program

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Safety of Estrogen in Lupus Erythematosus, National Assessment Modification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI)-0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Secondary

Change in Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI)

SLICC/ACR-DI is a 41-item instrument used to assess damage since lupus disease onset. Clinical assessment is made in 12 different organ systems, and a sum total from all organ scales are computed. A minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 47 is possible with higher scores indicating more damage. The effect of exercise training was examined by the change in SLICC/ACR-DI by measuring the post-exercise training value minus the pre-exercise training value. A negative value indicates no change in damage since disease onset and a positive value indicates increase in damage since disease onset. The SLICC/ACR-DI was assessed before the start of the 12-week exercise program (pre) and repeated at the end of the 12-week exercise program (post).

Time frame: Before 12-week intervention (Pre) and after 12-week intervention (Post)

Population: The analyses included only those subjects who were assessed for SLICC/ACR-DI at pre- and post-exercise program

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Aerobic Exercise Training (AET)Change in Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI)0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.3

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 18, 2026