Physical activity in children aged 7-13 years with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Is it significantly altered? A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in children under 16 years of age, often associated with joint damage. The etiopathogenesis of JIA involves an abnormal immune response triggered by the interaction of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Pain and swelling associated with JIA can lead to mobility issues and reduced physical activity (PA). Regular PA, tailored to the child's current health and functional status, is recommended for JIA patients. We aimed to assess whether JIA influences the choice of PA in children aged 7-13 years.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The study group consisted of children diagnosed with JIA, while the control group included age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica program, with the χ2 test and a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study group included 29 children with JIA (median age 11 years, range 9-12), consisting of 19 girls (66%) and 10 boys (34%), and the control group included 20 healthy volunteers (median age 9.5 years, range 7.5-12), consisting of 11 girls (55%) and 9 boys (45%). In the JIA group, 17 children (59%) attended physical education (PE) lessons, compared to 20 (100%) in the control group. The only after-school PA significantly more frequently performed by healthy children was martial arts (p = 0.033). No significant differences were observed in the time spent watching TV (p = 0.86) or using a computer (p = 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

There is little difference in after-school PA between children with JIA and their healthy peers. However, children with JIA are significantly more likely to be completely exempted from PE. Given that their after-school activity remains unchanged, the necessity of complete PE exemptions for JIA patients should be reconsidered.