PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of progressive resisted exercise (PRE) and aerobic exercise (AE) on bone mineral density (BMD), muscular strength, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with osteoporotic systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). METHODS: This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Eighty SLE participants, 30 to 50 years old, were randomly allocated into four equal groups. Group A received PRE and AE, group B received AE, group C received PRE, and group D received traditional medical treatment only. The intervention was implemented three days/week for six months. BMD was measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, muscle strength was measured by an isokinetic device, exercise capacity was measured by 6-min walk test, and HRQoL was measured by Short Form 36 (SF-36). Every outcome was assessed at baseline, six months, and nine months. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences among the groups in knee muscle strength, exercise capacity, and HRQoL after 6 months (p < 0.05) in favor of the combined group. BMD increased significantly in the combined and PRE groups compared to the AE and control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PRE combined with AE were more beneficial than either exercise alone in improving knee muscle strength, exercise capacity, and HRQoL.

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