Recruiting
Effects of High-intensity Interval Training in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06166199
PhaseNA
Enrollment40
SponsorKarolinska Institutet
Age18 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
About this study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Interventions
- Behavioral: HIIT combined with resistance training — Patients with SLE will undergo supervised HIIT on an ergometercycle, 4 x 4 minutes interval, (85-90% of maximal heart rate in 4 minutes and lower intensity for another 4 minutes etc). The HIIT is combined with resistance exercises for upper and lower extremity. In total the training takes around 50 minutes per occasion and will be performed 2 times/week, for 3 months. In addition, the patients will exercise, according to the program, by themselves once a week. Between months 3 and 6 the patients exercise by themselves, 3 times/week, with video-call/telephone support from a physiotherapist once a week.
Primary outcomes
- Aerobic capacity (Baseline, months 3 and 6)
- Physical capacity (Baseline, months 3 and 6)
Eligibility information
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
Study locations
- Carina Boström, Stockholm, Huddinge 141 83 Sweden
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.