Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Exercise capacity in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A mixed methods study

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of childhood rheumatic disease affecting an estimated 24,000 Canadian children (3 out of every 1000) under the age of 18. JIA is associated with pain, disability, reduced psychosocial well-being, and high economic burden on the healthcare system. Current research indicates that health and well-being in this population may be supported through the implementation of guided physical activity participation including exercise therapy. The underlying concept of exercise as medicine targets the non-acute stage of JIA and aims to enhance function and well-being, reduce pain and inflammation, and minimize the burden of disease.

We are trying to identify whether youth diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis have altered biomechanics while walking, running and jumping, as well as determine if balance and aerobic fitness are different from youth who are not diagnosed with JIA.  We are also investigating whether youth with JIA have different daily physical activity as compared to youth without JIA.

Study Partners

  • Vi Riddell Pediatric Rehabilitation Research Program

Who is participating?

Youth aged 10-25 with and without Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

What are participants doing?

Individuals attend research at the Riddell Movement Assessment Centre at Alberta Children’s Hospital where biomechanics, balance, blood, questionnaires and aerobic fitness test will be conducted.  Individuals will also be fitted with an Actigraph to wear for 7-10 days.  Then they will attend a research session at the University of Calgary where they will be scanned with a DXA and have a physiotherapy appointment.

Learn More