Lead applicant: Dr Tiago Peçanha – Manchester Metropolitan University
Funded by: Health Innovation Manchester – MAHSC Grant
Project Overview: This project aimed to develop a person-centred, symptom-regulated physical activity intervention for people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With the support of Lupus UK, the research team carried out a UK-wide survey and two patient workshops to understand barriers and facilitators to physical activity and co-develop the PPAI-LUPUS programme.
UK-Wide Survey (40 participants)
Key Barriers:
- Fatigue
- Pain and joint stiffness
- Fear of triggering flare-ups
- Poor sleep, cost and time constraints
Key Facilitators:
- Feeling well and symptom stability
- Knowledge of safe and appropriate exercise
- Flexible, short and home-based options
- Perceived benefits (improved mood and mobility)
- Social support and personalised plans
Although most participants reported being physically active, less than half met the recommended 150 minutes per week. Survey findings directly informed the first draft of the intervention.
Two workshops were held in December 2025 (one in-person in Manchester and one online UK-wide). These sessions explored lived experiences and gathered structured feedback on the proposed physical activity intervention.
- Physical activity is valuable but often feels risky due to fatigue and fear of flare-ups
- Psychological barriers include anxiety, stigma and low confidence
- Short, paced and adaptable activities are preferred
- Professional reassurance and peer support are essential
- Praised for being compassionate, flexible and empowering
- Recommendation to reframe the 150-minute target as guidance
- Simplify and improve accessibility of materials
- Include digital options and stronger ongoing support
Through collaboration with people living with lupus, the research team have developed a refined, evidence-informed and patient-centred physical activity intervention. The programme will now progress to feasibility testing (which tests whether a project is possible, practical and worth doing).
If you have any questions about the results, you can contact Dr Tiago Peçanha at [email protected]