Personalized, physiotherapist-guided exercise programs in JIA: home-based vs. immersive virtual reality (JiaFitXR)
Nilay Arman1, Asya Albayrak2,3, Irem Donmez4
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Both home-based and immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming programs improved physical fitness and function in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). IVR showed greater gains in lower extremity function and engagement, suggesting its potential in pediatric rheumatology rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rheumatology
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Exercise science
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) impacts physical fitness and functional capacity in adolescents.
- Evidence-based exercise interventions are crucial for managing JIA.
- Personalized, stepwise-adapted programs may optimize outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare a home-based exercise program (HomeEX) versus an immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming program (JiaFitXR).
- To evaluate effects on physical fitness, functional capacity, and physical activity in adolescents with JIA.
- To assess the efficacy of physiotherapist-guided, personalized interventions.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 50 adolescents (13-18 years) with JIA.
- Interventions: HomeEX vs. JiaFitXR, twice weekly for 8 weeks, supervised.
- Outcome measures: Functional capacity (6MWT, Sit-to-Stand, Step-Up/Down), physical fitness (FitnessGram, strength, EMG, grip), and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Both HomeEX and JiaFitXR significantly improved fitness, function, and daily activity (p<0.05).
- JiaFitXR group showed greater improvements in lower extremity function (Sit-to-Stand, Step-Up/Down) and neuromuscular activation (p<0.05).
- HomeEX group demonstrated superior gains in flexibility and upper extremity strength (p<0.05); step counts increased similarly.
Conclusions:
- Physiotherapist-guided HomeEX and JiaFitXR effectively enhanced physical and functional outcomes in adolescents with JIA.
- The IVR intervention (JiaFitXR) offered additional benefits in lower extremity endurance and engagement.
- IVR exergaming shows promise as an innovative and motivating adjunct for pediatric rheumatology rehabilitation.
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