Physiotherapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: Evidence, Digital Approach, and Tools with TRAK

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease affecting between 20 and 150 people per 100,000, with a clear prevalence in young women (9:1). Its pathophysiology includes abnormal immune activation, leading to chronic inflammation and organ damage in tissues such as the skin, kidneys, joints, nervous system, and lungs.

This highly heterogeneous and fluctuating clinical picture presents a major challenge in physiotherapy practice, especially when aiming to design safe, tailored, and effective interventions.

Over the past decade, physiotherapy has gained recognition as an essential component in the comprehensive management of SLE. Multiple studies and expert consensus (Parodis et al., 2024; Frade et al., 2023) support the use of therapeutic exercise and tailored rehabilitation strategies as safe and effective methods to improve functionality, reduce fatigue, and prevent physical deterioration associated with the disease.

The evidence is clear: regular physical activity is not only safe but highly beneficial for lupus patients.

• Improve aerobic capacity and exercise tolerance.
• Reduce chronic fatigue and musculoskeletal pain.
• Prevent sarcopenia and physical deconditioning.
• Preserve joint and bone health.
• Promote functional independence and quality of life.

An effective physiotherapy approach begins with a comprehensive assessment, including:

• Aerobic capacity: 6-minute walk test.
• Fatigue: tools like the Fatigue Severity Scale.
• Pain: VAS or disease-specific questionnaires.
• Strength and mobility: adapted functional tests.

Exercise is one of the most evidence-based non-drug interventions for lupus. A Cochrane review (Frade et al., 2023) concluded that exercise significantly improves fatigue, physical function, and quality of life, without triggering disease flares.

• Moderate aerobic exercise: 3–5 times per week, 30–45 minutes at 40–70% VO2max. Recommended activities: walking, cycling, swimming.
• Strength training: 2–3 times per week, with low-load multi-joint exercises, 2–3 sets of 8–12 reps.
• Flexibility and joint mobility: gentle stretches for 20–30 seconds, daily mobility routines.
• Aquatic exercise: ideal during mild flares or joint pain, providing cardiovascular work with low impact.

At TRAK, we’ve developed Trak Active, a digital solution that enables physiotherapists to plan, monitor, and adapt therapeutic exercise routines for chronic patients, including those with SLE. Thanks to its feedback system, instructional videos, artificial intelligence, and personalized reminders, therapeutic adherence and clinical follow-up are more efficient.

With Trak Active, you can:

• Adjust exercise levels based on disease activity (remission or flare-up).
• Combine mobility, strength, and aerobic sessions according to symptoms.
• Empower patients with autonomy under professional guidance.
• Track results in real time and adapt routines accordingly.

Are you a physiotherapist working with lupus patients? Request a demo of Trak Active and explore how digital physiotherapy can transform your daily practice.

Beyond exercise, educating patients to manage their condition is key. This includes:

• Energy conservation techniques and activity pacing.
• Postural hygiene and ergonomics.
• Workplace and lifestyle adaptations.
• Use of digital tools like Trak for self-monitoring and consistency.

• Photosensitivity: avoid direct sunlight during outdoor exercise.
• Cardiovascular risks: conduct prior evaluation, especially with history of complications.
• Osteoporosis or bone fragility: avoid impact exercises without supervision.
• Neurological or renal involvement: coordinate with the medical team to adjust intensity and load.

Physiotherapy is a vital therapeutic tool in the comprehensive treatment of lupus. With well-designed, evidence-based interventions supported by technology such as Trak Active, physiotherapists can empower their patients, reduce fatigue, and improve function and quality of life.

In a world where personalized and accessible care is more important than ever, TRAK stands as a strategic ally in the digital transformation of physiotherapy.