title: The effects of vigorous exercise training on physical function in children with arthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial.
abstract: 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.
authors: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Davinder
authors: D
authors: Singh-Grewal
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Schneiderman-Walker
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Wright
authors: Oded
authors: O
authors: Bar-Or
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Beyene
authors: Hiran
authors: H
authors: Selvadurai
authors: Bonnie
authors: B
authors: Cameron
authors: Ronald M
authors: RM
authors: Laxer
authors: Rayfel
authors: R
authors: Schneider
authors: Earl D
authors: ED
authors: Silverman
authors: Lynn
authors: L
authors: Spiegel
authors: Shirley
authors: S
authors: Tse
authors: Claire
authors: C
authors: Leblanc
authors: Janice
authors: J
authors: Wong
authors: Samantha
authors: S
authors: Stephens
authors: Brian M
authors: BM
authors: Feldman
mesh_terms: 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