Evaluation of the self-directed format of Walk With Ease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the Walk-SLE Pilot Study. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sheikh, S Z; Kaufman, K; Gordon, B -B; Hicks, S; Love, A; Walker, J; Callahan, L F; Cleveland, R J
• Is Part Of: Lupus. Volume 28:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 764
• Page End: 770
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Walk With Ease (WWE) -- self-directed exercise -- physical activity -- fatigue -- pain -- stiffness; Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Periodicals; 616.772005
• DOI: 10.1177/0961203319846387
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-2033

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a proof-of-concept pilot evaluation of the self-directed format of Walk With Ease (WWE), a 6-week walking program developed for adults with arthritis, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: This was a single arm, 6-week pre- and post-evaluation of the self-directed WWE program to assess feasibility, tolerability, safety, acceptability, and effectiveness. Adult patients with physician-diagnosed SLE were recruited to participate during regularly scheduled visits to an academic rheumatology clinic. Self-reported outcomes of pain, stiffness, and fatigue were assessed by visual analog scales (VAS) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-fatigue) scale at baseline and at completion of the 6-week program. Patients also completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the program. Multivariate linear regression models were used to calculate mean changes between baseline and 6-week follow-up scores, adjusting for covariates. Mean change scores were used to estimate effect sizes (ES). Results: At 6 weeks, 48 of the 75 recruited participants completed the WWE program. Participants experienced modest improvements in stiffness and fatigue (ES = 0.12 and ES = 0.23, respectively, for VAS scores; ES = 0.16 for FACIT-fatigue score) following the intervention. The majority of participants reported satisfaction with the program (98%) and benefitted from the workbook (96%). Conclusions: The self-directed format of WWE appears to reduce stiffness and fatigue in patients with SLE. It also seems to be a feasible and acceptable exercise program to patients with SLE. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.