# Efficacy of Myofascial Techniques and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in the Treatment of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—Randomized Crossover Clinical Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that myofascial and neuromuscular techniques safely reduce pain and improve function in lupus patients.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the safety and efficacy of specific physical therapy techniques for systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

## Key findings

- Significant reductions in ankle and knee pain after the intervention.
- Improved functional capacity and physical function in participants.
- Fatigue and mental and physical components showed positive changes.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease. The musculoskeletal system is affected in 90% of patients. The most common symptoms are myalgia, arthralgia, and arthritis. The objective was to analyze the efficacy of an intervention using myofascial techniques and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: A randomized, single-blind, crossover clinical trial. Seventeen patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were randomly assigned to two sequences: Sequence A–B (intervention phase first, then control phase) and Sequence B–A (control phase first, then intervention phase). The intervention lasted for four weeks, with two weekly sessions lasting 50 min each. The intervention consisted of myofascial and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. The variables were: pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional capacity of lower limbs (2-Minute Walk Test), physical function (Timed Up and Go Test), and fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale). After a 2-week follow-up and a 2-week washout period, the patients switched groups, and the methodology was replicated. Results: None of the patients developed injury or adverse effects as a direct consequence of the intervention. There were statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.001) in the intensity of ankle (η2p = 0.38) and knee (η2 = 0.37) pain, functional capacity (η2 = 0.33), and physical function (η2 = 0.56). There were also intergroup changes in fatigue (η2 = 0.52), and the relevant mental (η2 = 0.26) and physical (η2 = 0.45) components. Conclusions: Proprioceptive myofascial and neuromuscular facilitation techniques are safe in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. This physical therapy protocol can improve the intensity of knee and ankle joint pain in these patients. This intervention can improve functional capacity, physical function, and fatigue in people with systemic lupus erythematosus.