Impact of Pilates Exercise in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Impact of Clinical Pilates Exercise on Pain, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Ability, And Quality of Life in Children With Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common chronic childhood inflammatory diseases that is characterized by permanent joint inflammation attributable to immune system disturbance.

Therapeutic exercises play an essential role as a non-pharmacologic treatment for children with JIA. It has effectively been used to reduce pain, improve muscular function, increase physical activity and promote quality of life in children with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Clinical Pilates exercise is usually perceived as enjoyable activity by children with JIA, thereby, it can help them be more active for extended periods without causing discomfort while also allowing them to control their breathing and avoid becoming fatigued.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Polyarticular JIA per the International League of Associations for Rheumatology classification.
• Age ranges from 10 to14 years.
• Stable medical treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• If they had contractures.
• Congenital anomalies.
• History of surgery.
• History of systemic disease
• Cardiorespiratory co-morbidity.
• Participation in regular exercises or sports activity.