BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory rheumatic disease that causes tissue damage through autoantibodies and immune complexes. Patients with chronic diseases such as SLE fall into a vicious circle. Fatigue and depression can negatively affect the quality of life and cause patients to stay at home and hence, be physical inactivity. As a result of physical inactivity; the exercise capacity and muscle strength of SLE patients can decrease.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to investigate the physical activity, peripheral muscle strength, exercise capacity, sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depression levels between patients with SLE and healthy individuals.MethodsTwenty-six patients with SLE (32.5 (24.75/43.25) years) and 29 healthy individuals (30 (23/32) years) were compared. Exercise capacity (6-minute walk test (6MWT)), peripheral muscle strength (dynamometer), physical activity (the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 smart bracelet device), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HAD)), quality of life (SLE-specific QOL scale (SLEQoL)), and sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) were assessed.ResultsDemographic characteristics were similar in both groups except for cigarette consumption (pack*years) (p>0.05). 6MWT distance, peripheral muscle strength, physical activity level, SLEQoL, and PSQI scores were significantly lower; FSS and HAD scores were higher in patients with SLE (p<0.05). Moreover; the difference between post and pretest values of heart rate, dyspnea, fatigue, and quadriceps femoris muscle fatigue was higher in patients with SLE compared to healthy individuals.ConclusionPatients with SLE had lower exercise capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, and sleep quality, and higher fatigue, anxiety, and depression. In addition; These patients were physically inactive. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects and efficiency of these symptoms on patients with SLE.