Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Program in Adolescents Diagnosed With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Program on Physical Fitness, Functional Capacity and Physical Activity In Adolescents Diagnosed With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of home-based exercise program versus personalized IVR exergame (Fit-XR) program on physical fitness, functional capacity and physical activity in adolescents with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Patients followed up by four tertiary pediatric rheumatology centers will be included in the project. Two different exercise programs will be applied to the patients by experienced physiotherapists. Fit-XR program will be 25-30 minutes a day and will be applied 2 days a week for 8 weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist in the clinic. The total points obtained by the participants during the FiT-XR games will be recorded after each training session. In the second group, a personalized multicomponent (balance, strength, agility, endurance) home- based exercise program will be applied according to the physical fitness level of the children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a definitive diagnosis of JIA according to the ILAR classification at least 6 months ago
• Being between the ages of 13-18

Exclusion Criteria:

• JIA diagnosis was made less than a month ago
• Having had a surgical or arthroscopic operation within the last year
• Presence of active synovitis or arthritis
• Have a disease that may limit the ability to exercise or increase the cardiovascular risk of exercise, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, or metabolic disorders
• Having active vestibular disease
• Having a neurological disease that prevents walking and exercising
• Having been exercising regularly for the last 6 months
• Having severe vision and hearing problems
• Use of any medication or supplement known to increase anabolic responses
• Having mental inability to understand the exercises