Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Exercise in the Treatment and Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Authors

Jennifer Welch, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Jennifer Welch. 1998. Exercise in the Treatment and Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (164)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/164.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if exercise programs are being incorporated into routine practice among individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and if so, how this course of treatment is affecting physical and mental health.

Subjects: 103/300 surveys were returned. Four surveys were omitted. In total, 99 subjects with SLE participated.

Methodology: The survey included questions regarding demographic characteristics, exercise habits and health status as measured by the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND 36). Data analysis included a t-test, Pearson correlations, cross-tabulations, and chi-square analysis. Alpha level was set at .05 for all analyses.

Results: 70% reported to exercise. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between disease history and exercise habits. Subjects diagnosed with SLE over five years ago were more likely to exercise. Two-tailed t-test revealed significant differences between mean scores of exercisers and non-exercisers. Exercisers scored significantly higher on six subscales of the RAND 36. Pearson correlations showed a significant positive relationship between exercise frequency and RAND scores, as well as exercise duration and RAND scores.

Conclusion: The health status of subjects who exercise was superior to that of non-exercisers.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy