From the Guidelines
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing autoimmune diseases, as it has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing symptoms, improving function, and enhancing quality of life 1.
Benefits of Exercise
- Reduces pain and fatigue
- Improves physical function and mobility
- Enhances mental health and well-being
- Lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease
- Improves longevity
Types of Exercise
- Aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling
- Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises
- Mind-body exercises, such as yoga or tai chi
- Aquatic exercises, such as swimming or water aerobics It is essential to note that the specific exercise modality should be determined by patient preference and values, considering the potential burden on and capacity of each patient 1.
Recommendations
- People with autoimmune diseases should engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least moderate intensity 1
- Exercise can be performed in different settings, alone or in groups, with a slight benefit favoring group exercises 1
- Healthcare professionals should incorporate regular assessment of fatigue severity, impact, and coping strategies into clinical consultations and offer access to tailored physical activity interventions 1 The evidence suggests that exercise is a safe and effective way to manage autoimmune diseases, and healthcare professionals should encourage patients to engage in regular physical activity 1.
Future Perspectives
Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of exercise on autoimmune diseases, particularly in terms of the optimal type, intensity, and duration of exercise 1. However, based on the current evidence, it is clear that exercise is a valuable tool in the management of autoimmune diseases, and patients should be encouraged to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.
From the Research
Role of Exercise in Managing Autoimmune Diseases
- Exercise has been shown to be a potential therapeutic tool in counteracting systemic inflammation and improving clinical outcomes in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis 2.
- Physical activity has been found to lead to a significant elevation in T-regulatory cells, decreased immunoglobulin secretion, and a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance to a decreased Th1 cell production, resulting in an anti-inflammatory response 3.
- Regular exercise interventions have been associated with reduced inflammation-related markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, in patients with autoimmune diseases 4.
Benefits of Exercise for Autoimmune Disease Patients
- Exercise has been shown to be safe and effective in improving health-related quality of life, functional capacity, pain, and disease activity in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis 5.
- Home-based physical activity interventions have been found to be as effective as centre-based interventions in improving disease control and alleviating symptoms in autoimmune rheumatic disease patients 5.
- Physical activity has been recommended for all people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), with a gradual increase in frequency and intensity, and ideally supervised by qualified professionals 6.
Key Considerations for Exercise in Autoimmune Disease Management
- Patients with autoimmune diseases tend to be less physically active compared to the general population, and physical inactivity has been linked to a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases 3.
- Acute exercise interventions may be ineffective or even modestly pro-inflammatory, while regular exercise training has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory influence 4.
- Photoprotection is necessary for outdoor activity in patients with SLE, and a medical evaluation may be needed to rule out contraindications for physical activity in some instances 6.