Relationship between functional ability and physical fitness in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic physical fitness and functional ability in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).


METHODS
Eighteen children with JIA (age 7 to 14 yr., 3 male/15 female) performed a maximal aerobic exercise test and a Wingate anaerobic exercise test. Functional ability was concurrently assessed using the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ).


RESULTS
A low relationship between aerobic fitness and functional ability was found (r = 0.0 to 0.4, p > 0.05, except for eating r = 0.46, p < 0.05). The correlations between anaerobic physical fitness and functional ability in JIA patients were strong (r = 0.5 to 0.75, p < 0.05). This indicated a good relationship between anaerobic fitness and functional ability.


CONCLUSIONS
The strong association between anaerobic physical fitness and functional ability showed the importance of anaerobic physical fitness for children with JIA.
Takken
T
T
Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy, University Hospital for Children and Youth 'Hat Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis', University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. t.takken@wkz.azu.nl
van der Net
J
J
Helders
P J M
PJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life