In pediatric rheumatic diseases, joint swelling, effusion, tenderness, and painful restriction of joint movement, particularly in weight-bearing joints, frequently alter walking function. These changes affect temporal and spatial parameters of gait, as well as kinematic and kinetic characteristics, leading to functional limitations. Comprehensive physical assessments in patients may not always predict changes in gait parameters. Therefore, incorporating objective methods related to gait and balance into physical evaluations is essential for functional insights and clinical decision-making, aiming to prevent adaptive mechanisms that could negatively affect gait function in the long term. In this context, smart insoles have emerged as a new tool for gait analysis, offering an alternative to high-cost, lab-based equipment. The Digitsole Pro® system can measure gait profile and variables in real-life conditions. A review of the literature reveals no studies utilizing smart insole-based gait assessments in pediatric rheumatic patients. The aim of our study is to investigate the gait profile and variables of children and adolescents with pediatric rheumatic disease using the next-generation Digitsole Pro® smart insole system, and to compare the results with those of healthy peers.

Inclusion Criteria:

Children and adolescents with pediatric rheumatic disease:

• Aged 6-18 years
• Diagnosed with JIA or FMF at least 6 months ago at the Istanbul Medical Faculty Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic

Healthy children and adolescents:

• Aged 6-18 years
• Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for children and adolescents with pediatric rheumatic disease:

• History of trauma or surgery affecting the musculoskeletal system in the last 6 months
• Presence of a chronic disease other than JIA or FMF
• Acute pain for any reason
• Visual or hearing problems
• Cognitive impairment that prevents understanding of given instructions

Exclusion criteria for healthy children and adolescents:

• History of trauma or surgery affecting the musculoskeletal system in the last 6 months
• Hearing or visual problems
• Acute pain for any reason

Patients diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) who are being followed at the Istanbul Medical Faculty Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic will be included in the study. For the healthy control group, healthy children and adolescents without any illnesses who volunteer to participate in the study will be included.