Promoting physical activity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis through an internet‐based program: Results of a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective. Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are less physically active than healthy peers. Therefore, we developed an Internet-based intervention to improve physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the program in improving PA. Methods. PA was determined by activity-related energy expenditure, PA level, time spent on moderate to vigorous PA, and the number of days with >1 hour of moderate to vigorous activity, and was assessed with a 7-day activity diary. Aerobic exercise capacity was assessed by means of a Bruce treadmill test and was recorded as maximum endurance time. Disease activity was assessed by using the JIA core set. Adherence was electronically monitored. Results. Of 59 patients, 33 eligible patients were included and randomized in an intervention (n ‫؍‬ 17, mean ؎ SD age 10.6 ؎ 1.5 years) or control waiting-list group (n ‫؍‬ 16, mean ؎ SD age 10.8 ؎ 1.4 years). All patients completed baseline and T1 testing. PA significantly improved in both groups. Maximum endurance time significantly improved in the intervention group but not in the control group. In a subgroup analysis for patients with low PA (intervention: n ‫؍‬ 7, control: n ‫؍‬ 5), PA improved in the intervention group but not in the control group. The intervention was safe, feasible, and showed a good adherence.Conclusion. An Internet-based program for children with JIA ages 8 -12 years directed at promoting PA in daily life effectively improves PA in those patients with low PA levels. It is also able to improve endurance and it is safe, feasible, and has good adherence.

Internet Program for Physical Activity and Exercise Capacity in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Even though R@W is not a training program, exercise capacity improved significantly in the intervention group. Results were consistent with those of the pilot study (27). The 10% improvement in our study is clinically relevant, especially since exercise capacity is needed to perform strenuous activities.…”

“…MVPA in the intervention group improved, with 35 minutes up to .1 hour per day and fulfilled the recommendations on physical activity for healthy individuals (38). This effect in the intervention group is clinically relevant and is consistent with the results found in the pilot study (27). MVPA in the control group did not change.…”

Regular Aerobic Training Combined with Range of Motion Exercises in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“…On the other hand, JIA patients who underwent an exercise program showed improvements in VO 2peak and exercise duration and these results are not in accordance with the above-mentioned three studies [18–20]. In another study conducted via the Internet, patients were encouraged to exercise and their exercise duration was significantly increased [15]. Furthermore, Moncur et al [16], reported significant increases in VO 2peak and exercise duration after a regular exercise program.…”

Effectiveness of eHealth Interventions Promoting Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Finally, 25 reports of 20 studies [ 33 - 57 ] met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review ( Figure 1 ). One study [ 68 ] was classified as “awaiting assessment” because more information was needed to clarify whether it was a duplicate report of 1 of the included studies [ 49 ]. Excluded studies and their respective reason for exclusion are displayed in Table S2 of Multimedia Appendix 1 .…”