The benefits of physical therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Physical Activity and Sports for Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“…Fortunately, treatment advances including the use of biologic therapies have shifted rehabilitation goals from preventing disability to optimizing physical function. To manage symptoms while supporting physical activity, a physical or occupational therapist can adjust a patient's program based on patient goals, clinical assessment, and outcome measures [6,10]. This should include education on joint protection and energy conservation, focusing on routine daily activities or activity modification during periods of disease flare.…”

“…Although recommendations have not been made for children with JIA, it has been established that fitness testing and physical conditioning is safe in children with JIA [19]. Studies have shown the benefits of exercise in children with JIA to overall physical health, QOL, and even decreased inflammation [3,7,10,12,15,20,21,30,35,41].…”

“…Following participation in a physical activity program, interventions have had lasting effects at 3 and 12 months [21]. This indicates that, following medical clearance, best practice would be to implement an exercise therapy program and provide education on the safety and benefits of physical activity across the lifespan [7,10,15,20,21,35,42].…”

“…In a 2017 update, which included 23 studies, randomized controlled trials supported the effectiveness of balance-proprioceptive exercise, resistive underwater exercise paired with interferential current, Pilates, or weightbearing programs, with moderate evidence supporting fitness training (aerobic and anaerobic) and strengthening [6]. A 2023 review acknowledged the variety across exercise programs, concluding that supervised or partially supervised programs incorporating strength, flexibility, and balance were associated with positive outcomes including activity, body function and structure, and QOL [10].…”

A Holistic Approach on Smart Garment for Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“…In the medical landscape, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) stands as the prevalent incurable rheumatic disease in children and a significant contributor to both short-term and long-term disability [1]. It is an incurable rheumatic disease of unknown origin, with a higher occurrence among young female patients [2].…”