Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Implementation of BIVA for Analyzing Disease Risk Factors in Patients with Low Body Cell Mass
Published on: July 14, 2023
Physical activity and exercise in patients with pediatric rheumatic disease: A systematic search and review
Ela Tarakcı1, Eylül Pınar Kısa2,3, Nilay Arman1
1Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Physical activity and exercise significantly reduce symptoms in childhood rheumatic diseases. Further research is needed to standardize exercise duration, frequency, and methods for optimal treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Childhood rheumatic diseases impact multiple organ systems, causing pain and physical limitations.
- Physical inactivity is a common issue in pediatric rheumatic conditions.
- Exercise is a cornerstone of treatment for children with rheumatic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review recent (last 5 years) studies on physical activity and exercise programs for children with rheumatic diseases.
- To synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of exercise interventions in pediatric rheumatology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, PEDro, and Medline databases.
- Inclusion criteria based on relevance to physical activity and exercise in childhood rheumatic diseases.
- Independent review by two researchers to ensure study eligibility, with consensus reached through discussion.
Main Results:
- Scientific evidence indicates that physical activity and exercise significantly alleviate symptoms in children with various rheumatic diagnoses.
- Studies demonstrate positive effects of exercise on pain, joint stiffness, and muscle function.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity and exercise are crucial for managing childhood rheumatic diseases.
- Optimal exercise parameters (duration, frequency, method, evaluation) require further investigation and standardization.
Abstract:
Childhood rheumatic diseases are a group of diseases that can affect many organs and systems, resulting in pain, joint stiffness, muscle atrophy and weakness. Physical inactivity has been reported in many childhood rheumatic diseases. There are many studies in the literature comparing the effectiveness of exercise programs in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Exercise and physical activity are considered major parts of the treatment of children with rheumatic disease. The aim of this review is to systematically present studies on physical activity and exercise programs in children with rheumatism from the last 5 years. An internet-based search of three databases-PubMed, PEDro and Medline- was conducted to find relevant studies. Two reviewers individually identified studies on the basis of their title, abstract or full text-as necessary-to determine their eligibility. Differences of opinion between the two examiners were resolved by discussion. Scientific studies of children with different rheumatic diagnoses have shown that physical activity and exercise have a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of the disease. However, the duration, frequency, method and evaluation of the exercises are still being discussed in the literature.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...