Exercise and Nutrition Recommendations for Patients Using Glucocorticoids (ENRG)

Glucocorticoid treatment is a frequently prescribed to individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, due to its anti-inflammatory effects. This treatment strategy has proven clinical benefits, but it can also adversely influence musculoskeletal health. Glucocorticoid pulse therapy is a particularly intensive treatment strategy, commonly used when the disease state is at its most active. Patients who undergo pulse therapy have a high risk of muscle and bone loss, and exercise training is a promising adjunct therapy to potentially ameliorate these adverse effects, but the feasibility and efficacy of this approach has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study, therefore, is to conduct a parallel-group, controlled, randomized clinical trial, to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based, remotely-monitored, exercise training intervention on musculoskeletal health in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus who have undergone glucocorticoid pulse therapy.