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Exercise and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Current Opinion in Rheumatology recently published a review on the use of exercise therapy in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Previous studies indicate that children with JIA have significantly impaired aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity. This can result in deconditioning and disability. Girls with polyarticular rhematoid factor positive subtype are at the great risk for disability. The authors state that

“Recent trials suggest that structured aerobic training or low-intensity programs do not exacerbate arthritis and can lead to improved physical fitness, quality of life and functional abilities in children and adolescents with JIA”.

Reference: Long, Amy R; Rouster-Stevens, Kelly A The role of exercise therapy in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Current Opinion in Rheumatology

2010 doi: 10.1097/BOR.0b013e328335d1a2