Physical activity recommendations for children with specific chronic health conditions: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hemophilia, asthma and cystic fibrosis

Abstract

As a group, children with a chronic disease or disability are less active than their healthy peers. There are many reasons for suboptimal physical activity, including biological, psychological and social factors. Furthermore, the lack of specific guidelines for 'safe' physical activity participation poses a barrier to increasing activity. Physical activity provides significant general health benefits and may improve disease outcomes. Each child with a chronic illness should be evaluated by an experienced physician for activity counselling and for identifing any contraindications to participation. The present statement reviews the benefits and risks of participation in sport and exercise for children with juvenile arthritis, hemophilia, asthma and cystic fibrosis. Guidelines for participation are included.

Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Postural Balance in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“…This approach expands upon current recommendations promoting moderate fitness and strengthening exercises for children with arthritis. 44 Balance and activity-specific tasks (eg, soccer-specific movements for a child playing soccer) are not routinely assessed, and it is the authors' opinion that such an assessment and subsequent directed rehabilitation may better prepare children with JIA for safe sport participation.…”

Classroom-based high-intensity interval activity improves off-task behaviour in primary school students

“…FUNterval activities were adapted from a high-intensity interval protocol that has repeatedly been demonstrated to improve aerobic fitness in young adults (Ma et al 2013;Mcrae et al 2012;Tabata et al 1996). Importantly, while there is evidence available that high-intensity exercise is safe, and even encouraged, in healthy children (Corbin et al 1994;Janssen and Leblanc 2010), it should be noted that in children with chronic health conditions medical clearance should be sought before participation in high-intensity interval exercise is undertaken (Maron et al 2004;Philpott et al 2010). While the ability of FUNtervals to improve fitness in primary school children has not been confirmed, the observed decrease in off-task behaviour combined with the apparent feasibility of implementation suggests that further studies examining the efficacy of FUNtervals for improving fitness are warranted.…”

Physiotherapie bei der juvenilen idiopathischen Arthritis

“…Voraussetzung hierfür ist ein gutes muskuläres Gleichgewicht mit ausgewogener Kraftentwicklung, Dehnfähigkeit, Reaktionsfähigkeit und Koordination der verschiedenen Muskelgruppen [13]. Physio-und Sporttherapie ergänzen und überlappen sich hierbei [14].…”