AB1525-HPR EXAMINATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood. Although its etiology is not known exactly; Immunological susceptibility and environmental factors (infections, stress, trauma) are emphasized (1). These children have low activity levels since a young age, and signif-cant problems are observed in the realization of daily living activities (2). Objectives: This study aims to compare the physical ftness of children/adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and their healthy peers. Methods: Seventy children/adolescents (mean age: 13.40±2.31 years 35 JIA; mean age: 12.94±2.31 years 35 healthy) were included in the study. After recording demographic data, the functionality levels of the children/adolescents with JIA were evaluated by CHAQ (Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire), all lower extremity muscle strengths were evaluated by the manual muscle test device, and the physical ftness levels were evaluated by the Brockport physical ftness test battery which is grip strength, push-up test, curl-up test, trunk lift test, shoulder stretch, back saver sit-reach test, calf, triceps, subscapular skinfold thickness and PACER 20 meter test. While the disease activities of children/adolescents with JIA were evaluated with JADAS-27 (Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score); quality of life were evaluated with the PedsQL 3.0 Arthritis Module (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory). Results: As a result of the comparative analysis; In terms of functionality which is CHAQ dressing (p=0.008), eating (p=0.011), reaching (p=0.001), rising (p=0.001), walking (p=0.001), holding (p=0.016), hygiene (p=0.011), activity (p=0.00), total score (p=0.00), pain (p=0.00), general well-being (p=0.00) in terms of all sub-parameters, there was found to be signifcant in favor of healthy children/adolescents (p<0,05). In terms of physical ftness which is grip strength (p=0,041), PACER 20 meter test (p=0,00), trunk lift test (p=0.018) and curl-up (p=0.00) tests, there was a signifcant difference in favor of the healthy group (p<0,05). There was no signifcant difference between the groups in terms of other physical ftness tests (p>0.05). When all lower extremity muscle strengths were compared, only right hip external rotation (p=0.023) showed a difference in muscle strength. There was no correlation between JADAS-27 score and physical ftness scores (p>0.05) of children/adolescents with JIA, except for the push-up test (p=0.01). In terms of JADAS-27 score and some PedsQL child form which is pain, total score and activities of daily living of children/adolescents with JIA; there was a signifcant relationship. In terms of JADAS-27 score and some PedsQL parent form which is pain and total score of children/adolescents with JIA; there was a signifcant relationship. However there was no relationship in terms of the other parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of our study, it was observed that the functionality and physical ftness levels of children/adolescents with JIA were lower than their healthy peers, and physical ftness was not affected by disease activity. However, it has been observed that the disease ability of children/adolescents with JIA affects the quality of life of both themselves and their families. For all these reasons, it is very important to encourage children/adolescents with JIA in terms of participation in physical activity and exercise, with informative training aimed at improving their physical ftness.