ObjectiveTo report the burden and correlates of poor physical performance in a diverse cohort of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsIn this single‐visit study of 446 individuals with SLE from a population‐based metropolitan Atlanta cohort, we measured physical performance via the Short Physical Performance Battery (score range 0–12; intermediate‐low [<10] vs high [≥10]). We also collected demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables and examined the associations (adjusted odds ratios [aORs]) of intermediate‐low versus high physical performance with these characteristics via multivariable logistic regression.ResultsWe found that more than half (59.6%) of our participants had poorer (intermediate‐low) overall physical performance. Only 7% of the cohort received the maximum score on the lower body strength task versus 90% and 76% receiving the maximum scores on balance and gait speed tasks. Current employment status (aOR 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–1.05) and higher cognitive functioning (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42–0.77) were strongly associated with lower odds of intermediate‐low physical performance. Higher body mass index (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.56), disease activity (aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.27–1.98), and disease burden (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.77) were associated with poorer performance, as were higher depressive symptoms, perceived stress scores, and lower educational attainment (not statistically significant).ConclusionIn our population‐based, primarily Black cohort, we found that individuals with SLE commonly had poor physical performance. We identified both SLE‐ and non‐SLE–specific factors that could help clinicians identify those most at risk for poor physical performance and intervene to improve, maintain, and support physical performance among those with SLE.image