A review of the physical activity levels of children with juvenile arthritis

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic disease characterised by synovial inflammation that may lead to permanent joint damage. Children with JIA may experience periods of reduced physical activity during an exacerbation of the disease and possibly after the active inflammation has resolved. The objective of this review was to establish the current physical activity levels in children with JIA. Methods: A literature search was performed to examine the evidence surrounding physical activity levels in children with JIA. For inclusion in the review, studies had to measure and report levels of physical activity with either objective or subjective methods. Results: Seven studies meeting the criteria were reviewed. A limited number of studies used objective measurements of physical activity, such as accelerometers. The results of these studies suggest that there is little difference in physical activity levels between children with JIA and controls. Studies that used subjective measurements such as self-reported or parental-reported questionnaires suggest a decline in physical activity in the subjects with JIA compared to controls. Discussion: Due to the conflicting nature of the results and methodological issues in some of studies reviewed, it is not clear if there is a significant difference in physical activity levels in children with JIA compared to healthy peers. Given the known benefits of physical activity on the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems during childhood, further research in this area is required to assess physical activity levels in children with JIA.