Juvenile Arthritis and Exercise Therapy: Current Research and Future Considerations

Journal Title:  Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 2

Abstract

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition affecting significant numbers of children and young adults. Symptoms such as pain and swelling can lead to secondary conditions such as altered movement patterns and decreases in physical activity, range of motion, aerobic capacity, and strength. Exercise therapy has been an increasingly utilized component of treatment which addresses both primary and secondary symptoms. The objective of this paper was too give an overview of the current research on different types of exercise therapies, their measurements, and outcomes, as well as to make recommendations for future considerations and research. After defining the objective, articles involving patients with JIA and exercise or physical activity-based interventions were identified through electronic databases and bibliographic hand search of the existing literature. In all, nineteen articles were identified for inclusion. Studies involved patients affected by multiple subtypes of arthritis, mostly of lower body joints. Interventions ranged from light systems of movement like Pilates to an intense individualized neuromuscular training program. None of the studies exhibited notable negative effects beyond an individual level, and most produced positive outcomes, although the significance varied. Exercise and physical activity do not worsen the symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis; in fact, they can be extremely beneficial in helping address both the primary symptoms of pain and swelling, and the secondary issues related to range of motion, cardiovascular fitness, and strength. Incorporation of an individual-specific activity plan should be strongly be considered as an integral part of a treatment plan.

Authors and Affiliations

Susan Basile

Keywords

Related Articles

Prescribing Psychotropic Medications in Patients with Intellectual Disability: Review and Clinical Pearls

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are the most medicated patient population, whether in institutions or in the community. They are also more vulnerable to side effects of neuroleptic medications, especially i...

Drafting the Individualized Education Plan for Students with Special Educational Needs: How Semantic Web Technology Can Help the Teachers

One major issue emerges out of general observations and consensus in Italy and it concerns the knowledge and assessment of the students with disabilities and Special Educational Needs (SEN). Related to this issue, there...

Predicting Developmental Dyslexia: A Brief Review of Genetics, Language and the Brain

Learning to read is an essential life skill, yet many children struggle and may even fail to learn to read. Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a specific learning disorder characterized by deficits in reading and reading-rel...

Effect of Sperm Molecular Factors, Oxidative Damage and Transcripts in Childhood Disorders

Disruptions in the spermatozoal genetic integrity play a major role in determining the subsequent embryonic development trajectory. Sperm contributes an important role in post fertilization induction of normal developmen...

Pathologic Aerophagia in Rett Syndrome

Context: Pathologic aerophagia is defined as air swallowing causing abdominal distension and/or repetitive flatulence/belching present for greater than 12 weeks in a year. Pathologic aerophagia, which can be exacerbated...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP319571
  • DOI 10.4172/2472-1786.100045
  • Views 39
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Susan Basile (2017). Juvenile Arthritis and Exercise Therapy: Current Research and Future Considerations.  Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders, 3(2), 1-8. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-319571