Aerobic Fitness in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review

TIM TAKKEN, ARLETTE HEMEL, JANJAAP van der NET, and PAUL J.M. HELDERS

ABSTRACT.

Objective. To determine whether children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have lower physical fitness compared to healthy children, and to determine the clinical relevance of this impairment.

Methods. A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and SPORTDiscus. The appropriate titles were identified and the data were extracted from these publications. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2peak; in ml·kg^-1·min^-1) during a maximal exercise test until volitional exhaustion was used as the main outcome for this review.

Results. Nine studies were identified in the literature. Data from 5 studies (144 patients) were pooled in a metaanalysis. The VO_2peak of the patients with JIA was 21.8% (95% CI 13.7, 29.9) lower than that of healthy children (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion. The results of the metaanalysis suggest that children with JIA have moderate to heavy impairment in physical fitness as represented by maximal oxygen consumption compared to healthy children. (J Rheumatol 2002;29:2643-7)

Key Indexing Terms:

EXERCISE CAPACITY
EXERCISE TOLERANCE
METAANALYSIS
JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

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From the Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth "Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis," University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

T. Takken, MSc; A. Hemel, MSc; J. van der Net, PhD; P.J.M. Helders, MSc, PhD, Professor.

Address reprint requests to Prof. P.J.M. Helders, Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth "Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis," University Medical Center Utrecht, Room KB.02.056, PO Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands. E-mail: p.j.m.helders@wkz.azu.nl.

Submitted November 30, 2001; revision accepted June 18, 2002.

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