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Physical Fitness in Patients With Oligoarticular and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Diagnosed in the Era of Biologics: A Controlled Cross‐Sectional Study
Author(s) -
Risum Kristine,
Edvardsen Elisabeth,
Godang Kristin,
Selvaag Anne M.,
Hansen Bjørge H.,
Molberg Øyvind,
Bollerslev Jens,
Holm Inger,
Dagfinrud Hanne,
Sanner Helga
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.23818
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiorespiratory fitness , physical therapy , physical fitness , isometric exercise , cohort , physical strength , grip strength , hand strength
Objective To perform a comprehensive evaluation of and identify correlates for physical fitness in consecutive patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis ( JIA ) who have been diagnosed in the era of biologics and to compare the results with those obtained in healthy controls. Methods The study cohort included 60 patients with JIA (50 girls) ages 10–16 years and 60 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The JIA group included 30 patients with persistent oligoarticular JIA and 30 patients with extended oligoarticular or polyarticular disease. Measures of physical fitness included cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF ) by peak oxygen uptake ( Vo 2peak ) during a continuous graded treadmill exercise test, muscle strength by isokinetic and isometric knee and hand grip evaluations, and bone mineral density ( BMD ) and body composition by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Results Forty‐two percent of the patients were being treated with biologic drugs. Patients with JIA demonstrated lower muscle strength and total body BMD compared to controls, but there were no differences in CRF and body composition. Physical fitness was comparable between the persistent oligoarticular and extended oligoarticular/polyarticular‐ JIA groups. In patients with JIA , we identified associations between higher vigorous physical activity and higher CRF and muscle strength, but did not find any association between physical fitness and disease variables. Conclusion In this cohort of patients with JIA , we found suboptimal muscle strength and BMD compared to controls, but no differences in CRF and body composition. Vigorous physical activities appeared important for optimizing muscle strength and CRF in patients with JIA ; the importance of such activities should be highlighted in patient education.