Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Author Spotlight: Using a Rabbit Model to Explore the Efficacy of Tuina in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: August 25, 2023
Impact of core stability exercises on bone mineralization and functional capacity in children with polyarticular
Ragab K Elnaggar1,2, Waleed S Mahmoud3,4, Samah A Moawd2,5
1Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Background:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children. The core stability exercises ensure proper muscular strength and balance around the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex.
Objective:
This study evaluated whether the use of core stability exercises would increase the effectiveness of conventional physical therapy (PT) in enhancing bone mineralization and improving functional capacity in children with polyarticular JIA.
Methods:
Thirty-three children with polyarticular JIA (age; 10-14 years) assigned randomly into two groups: the control group (n = 16) received the conventional PT, and the study group (n = 17) received the core stability exercises in addition to the same conventional PT program. Both core stability and conventional PT exercises continued for 3 months. The measures of bone mineralization and functional ability were investigated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device and 6-min walk test (6MWT), respectively, at baseline and immediately post-treatment.
Results:
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed significant differences between groups in favor of the study group regarding measures of bone mineralization of lumbar spine and femoral neck regions as P < 0.05, except for volumetric bone mineral density of lumbar spine the P > 0.05. There was a significant difference between the two groups concerning functional capacity measured in 6MWT (P < 0.05), where children in the study group walked 531.71 ± 90.59 m compared with the control group 509.31 ± 73.10 m.
Conclusion:
Core stability exercises are an effective adjunctive therapy to enhance bone health status and improve functional capacity in children with polyarticular JIA. Key Points • In addition to conventional physical therapy, core stability exercises had a definite effect on improving bone health status and quality of life in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. • Improved bone mineralization and functional capacity due to core stability exercises contain two parts: strengthening training and controlling equilibrium.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:24Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling