Aerobic Training Improves Physical Fitness for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

A recent review of literature about exercise therapy in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) shows that structured aerobic training or low-intensity programs do not exacerbate arthritis and can lead to improved physical fitness, quality of life and functional abilities in children and adolescents with JIA.

Children with JIA are much less active than their peers. Inactivity in pediatric patients with JIA leads to deconditioning and disability and decreased bone mass, reduced quality of life and possibly increased mortality in adulthood. Although advances in pharmacology have improved the lives of children with JIA, management should also include a moderate, consistent exercise program or more active lifestyle. Physical activity may improve exercise capacity, decrease disability in adulthood, improve quality of life and, in some patients, decrease disease parameters. Further studies are needed to assess practicality of various programs and long-term effects of exercise in children and adolescents with JIA.

Long AR, Rouster-Stevens KA. (2010). The role of exercise therapy in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2010 Mar;22(2):213-7.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Get the Green Light on Exercise

A new French study indicates that moderate-intensity aerobics is safe for patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The disease, effecting one percent of the population can cause health-driven limitations on the kinds of activities RA patients can engage in. The findings show that regular exercise can also lead to less joint pain, higher functioning and an improved quality of life overall for these patients. Cardio-respiratory conditioning appears safe and its effects, while small, help to reduce joint pain and improve function.

(2010). Arthritis Care & Research.

People Who Have Arthritis Are Less Likely To Exercise

Arthritis is a disease that affects approximately 27% of Americans; the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A new survey emphasizes how arthritis is a serious barrier to physical activity. This problem is particularly troublesome because over half of adults with heart disease also have arthritis. These people, whose health could be significantly improved by exercise, often shy away from physical activity. This study was featured in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly report on death and disease.

The research analyzed data from over 750,000 people over the age of 18. The study found that arthritis affected 57 percent of adults with heart disease. Further, people with both diseases were more likely to be physically inactive (29%), in contrast to those with heart disease alone (21%). This is problematic: adults with heart disease who are sedentary due to arthritis pain are not benefiting from physical activity, which has been shown to help manage both diseases. Study authors emphasize that the idea that exercise will increase pain of arthritis sufferers is a myth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2009). Volume 58(7), 165-169.

Exercise Helps Symptom Management For Osteoarthritis Sufferers

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that leads to the breakdown of the cartilage in joints. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 27 million people in the US currently live with the condition. Many people with osteoarthritis find it difficult to exercise because of the pain they experience, however a new study shows that exercise actually helps maintain good joint health, manage symptoms and prevent functional decline in people with osteoarthritis.

A research team from Australia conducted a meta-analysis of eighteen studies with a total of 2,832 subjects with knee osteoarthritis. They analyzed resistance training, which included resistance machines, free weights, isometric exercise and other devices such as resistance bands. Resistance training improved muscle strength and self-reported measures of pain and physical function in over 50-75% of the sample. In addition, 79 percent found self-reported mobility improved following resistance training. Progressive resistance training was also tied to an overall increase in physical activity levels.

Lange AK, Vanwanseele B, and Fiatarone MA. (2008). Strength training for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A systematic review. Arthritis Care & Research, 59(10), 1488-1494.