title: Effect of strengthening versus balance-proprioceptive exercises on lower extremity function in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized, single-blind clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two exercise programs on lower extremity function in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis participated in this study. Pain, passive range of motion, muscle strength, balance, and functional abilities were assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale, goniometer, handheld dynamometer, Flamingo Balance Test, Functional Reach Test, 10-meter walking test, 10-stair climbing test, and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. Participants were randomly assigned to the strengthening exercise group (group 1, n = 15) or the proprioceptive-balance exercise group (group 2, n = 15).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intragroup analysis showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures except muscle strength in the hip and ankle after strengthening exercises in group 1. However, statistically significant improvements were found in all outcome measures after the proprioceptive-balance exercises in group 2. Intergroup analysis showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures in group 2 except for the Numeric Rating Scale, Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire, and passive range of motion scores and hip extension and knee flexion muscle strengths.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that exercise treatment significantly improves musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. However, balance-proprioceptive exercises prove to be effective more than strengthening exercises for improving lower extremity function such as walking, climbing stairs, and balance in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
authors: From the Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (SNB, ET) and Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, Department of Pediatric Rheumatology (OK), Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Saime Nilay
authors: SN
authors: Baydogan
authors: Ela
authors: E
authors: Tarakci
authors: Ozgur
authors: O
authors: Kasapcopur
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology