Efficacy of physical activities on children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the serious chronic rheumatic disorders in children and adolescents which results in less physical activities and restlessness hours than their peer. The study aims to assess the efficacy of physical fitness training exercises on aerobic capacity and muscular strength of children with JIA. Sixty-five children with JIA were included in the study, out of a total of 70 children who were screened for eligibility. Children were randomized to a control group ( n = 32) who received hot packs, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and strengthening exercises, or a study group ( n = 33) who received a physical fitness training program (hydrotherapy pool exercises, bicycle ergometer, and treadmill apparatus) in addition to what had been given to the control group. Both groups were engaged in a training program for 12 consecutive weeks for three times per week. Evaluation was done pre- and post-interventions included: peak oxygen uptake (Vo 2 peak) during an incremental treadmill test and muscle strength assessed by isokinetic dynamometer. Results The current study showed that there were significant differences between pre- and post-interventions in both groups ( P < 0.05). Comparing the two groups, there were statistically significant differences between children in both groups in favor of the study group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Physical fitness exercise training resulted in improved aerobic capacity and muscle strength of children with JIA. The obtained results suggested that children with arthritis could participate in formal exercise testing and structural physical fitness program. Trial registration PACTR, PACTR201907504136763. Registered on May 21, 2019. Retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID = 8150 .