High-intensity interval training for patients with lupus

Effects of High-intensity Interval Training Combined With Resistance Training in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06166199

This study is testing whether a special exercise program that includes high-intensity workouts can help people with lupus improve their fitness, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm, Huddinge)
Trial IDNCT06166199 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance exercises in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is a randomized controlled trial that aims to assess improvements in aerobic capacity, muscle function, disease activity, and quality of life over a six-month period. Participants will undergo three months of supervised training followed by three months of self-training with support. The study also seeks to understand patient experiences and the impact of exercise on inflammatory markers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with low to moderate disease activity and minimal organ damage from systemic lupus erythematosus.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance physical fitness and quality of life for patients with lupus.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in similar patient populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old
* Fulfilment of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria; or 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC/ACR-Damage Index (DI)) classification criteria; or EULAR/ACR criteria; or patients that have received the diagnosis SLE on clinical grounds
* Low to moderate disease activity, for example defined as a score of ≤5 in the clinical version of the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), i.e., excluding the serological descriptors (anti-dsDNA positivity and low complement levels)
* Low/minimal or no organ damage, for example defined as a score of ≤3 in the SLICC/ACR DI
* Stable pharmacological treatment
* The ability to perform a maximal ergometercycle exercise test
* Be able to read and understand Swedish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Symptoms or signs of cerebro-vascular disease, pulmonary embolus, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, dyspnea at rest, uncontrolled blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes within one year prior to study entry. Chronic kidney disease with
* Patients who fulfil the absolute contraindications for maximal exercise testing according to American Heart Association
* Patients who cannot perform a maximal ergometercycle exercise test due to the disease
* Diseases or other conditions that strongly reduce the ability to exercise or that exercise is not recommended
* Patients who perform regular aerobic fitness training and muscle strength exercise sessions at fixed times, \>1 time/week
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Stockholm, Huddinge

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lupus Erythematosus, SystemicPhysical exerciseHigh-intensity interval trainingResistance trainingQuality of lifeAerobic capacityFatigueDisease activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.