Inactivity among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was associated with a more than threefold increased risk for development of depression, researchers reported.

Among patients who described themselves as inactive at baseline, incident depression was diagnosed during the subsequent 2 years in 38% of SLE patients, compared with 14% of those who were active, according to Sarah L. Patterson, MD, and colleagues from the University of California San Francisco.

Even light activities were beneficial, according to the authors, with benefits being seen for patients who did not necessarily meet recommended guidelines for physical activity.

For the full research article please click here.