Aerobic fitness in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
09:18

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Published on: January 12, 2019

Tim Takken1, Arlette Hemel, Janjaap van der Net

  • 1Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) exhibit significantly lower physical fitness, specifically in maximal oxygen consumption, compared to healthy peers. This indicates a moderate to severe impairment in cardiorespiratory fitness for pediatric arthritis patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition affecting children.
  • Physical fitness is crucial for overall health and development in pediatric populations.
  • Limited data exists on the physical fitness levels of children with JIA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the physical fitness of children with JIA to that of healthy children.
  • To assess the clinical significance of any observed physical fitness differences.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases.
  • Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during maximal exercise testing was the primary outcome measure.
  • Meta-analysis was performed on data from relevant studies.

Main Results:

  • Nine studies were identified, with data from five studies (144 patients) pooled.
  • Children with JIA demonstrated a 21.8% lower VO2peak compared to healthy children (p < 0.0001).
  • This difference represents a moderate to heavy impairment in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Conclusions:

  • Children with JIA experience significant reductions in physical fitness.
  • Maximal oxygen consumption is a key indicator of this impairment.
  • Findings highlight the need for interventions to improve fitness in JIA patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training06:51

Physical Activity Measurement in Children Accepting Table Tennis Training

Published on: July 27, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation