Effects of Hydrotherapy on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy (HT) on pain and function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials published in English, which recruited children with JIA and had 2 groups with 1 receiving HT alone and the other receiving a comparison/control intervention. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Overall quality of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessments, Development, and Evaluation. Meta-analyses were performed for outcomes when possible.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses comparing HT to standard care demonstrated statistically significant effects on pain and VO 2 max favoring HT. No significant differences were found for function (CHAQ), peak knee extensor torque, or 6-minute walk test. The overall level of evidence ranged from very low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrotherapy improved VO 2 max and reduced pain in individuals with JIA compared to standard care.