Investigating the effect of water exercise program on exercise capacity in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week water exercise program on exercise capacity in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Method: Forty-two patients aged between 8-18 years with a diagnosis JIA were included in the study. Patients were allocated into two groups as exercise and control. Progressive water running exercises were performed at weekends for eight weeks in the study group. The control group did not receive any extra intervention except routine medical treatment. All subjects were assessed at baseline and eight weeks later in terms of physical characteristics, body composition, pain, range of motion, lower extremity muscle strength, aerobic exercise capacity, anaerobic exercise capacity, lower extremity explosive power, lower extremity functional capacity and quality of life. Results: The groups were similar at baseline. Significant changes were detected in height, weight, skeletal muscle mass, lower extremity muscle strength, anaerobic exercise capacity, lower extremity explosive power, lower extremity functional capacity and family quality of life parameters in the exercise group at the end of the study (p<0.05). The only improved parameter was lower extremity muscle strength in the control group (p<0.05). The exercise group was found superior to the control group for improving anaerobic exercise capacity and lower extremity functional capacity parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: The water running exercise program which is performed twice a week for eight weeks is not enough for improving aerobic exercise capacity, while this program is effective for enhancing anaerobic exercise capacity in children with JIA.