The effects of vigorous exercise training on physical function in children with arthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of high-intensity aerobic training compared with low-intensity training in terms of energy cost of locomotion, peak oxygen uptake, peak power, and self-reported physical function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).


METHODS
Eighty children with JIA, ages 8-16 years, were enrolled in a randomized, single-blind controlled trial. Both groups participated in a 12-week, 3-times-weekly training program consisting of high-intensity aerobics in the experimental group and qigong in the control group. Subjects underwent exercise testing measuring submaximal oxygen uptake at 3 km/hour (VO(2submax)) as the primary outcome, maximal oxygen uptake, and peak power at the beginning and end of the program. Physical function was measured using the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ).


RESULTS
The exercise program was well tolerated in both groups. There was no difference in VO(2submax) or any other exercise testing measures between the groups through the study period and no indication of improvement. Both groups showed significant improvements in C-HAQ with no difference between the groups. Adherence was higher in the control group than the experimental group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that activity programs with or without an aerobic training component are safe and may result in an important improvement in physical function. The intensity of aerobic training did not seem to provide any additional benefits, but higher adherence in the qigong program may suggest that less intensive regimens are easier for children with JIA to comply with, and provide a degree of benefit equivalent to more intensive programs.
Singh-Grewal
Davinder
D
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Schneiderman-Walker
Jane
J
Wright
Virginia
V
Bar-Or
Oded
O
Beyene
Joseph
J
Selvadurai
Hiran
H
Cameron
Bonnie
B
Laxer
Ronald M
RM
Schneider
Rayfel
R
Silverman
Earl D
ED
Spiegel
Lynn
L
Tse
Shirley
S
Leblanc
Claire
C
Wong
Janice
J
Stephens
Samantha
S
Feldman
Brian M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000378:metabolism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001830:Body Surface Area; D002648:Child; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires