Move it or lose it: Helping kids with arthritis become healthier and more active

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Dr. Ciarán Duffy
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Juvenile arthritis, which affects about one in 1, 000 Canadians under the age of 16 is the most common rheumatic disease among children. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. It results from a malfunction of the body's immune system where the immune system starts to attack healthy tissue. This causes inflammation of the joints, stiffness and excruciating pain. In some cases it can even lead to irregular growth and physical disability. All of these factors make it difficult for children with arthritis to engage in physical activity and lead healthy active lives.

Physical activity is an important part of a child's life. It promotes healthy growth and development, physical fitness, and general well-being. "Research has shown that children with arthritis are engaged in less physical activity than their peers and are less physically fit; this is a major cause for concern." says Dr. Ciarán Duffy at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, who is leading the CIHR Team Linking Exercise, Physical Activity and Pathophysiology in Childhood Arthritis (known as the LEAP Team).

Dr. Duffy and his team are studying a group of children with arthritis to determine the effect of physical activity on bones, joints, muscles and quality of life.

There is a lot of variability in physical activity levels amongst children with arthritis – determined by the severity of their symptoms. "What we do know is that if joints aren't moved they become increasingly stiffer making it more difficult for children to engage in physical activity." says Dr. Duffy. "Our goal is to clearly demonstrate that physical activity improves outcomes for children with arthritis and to address the barriers to participation that they face." In particular, they hope to show that physical activity actually reduces inflammation which leads to less severe damage to the joints, bones, and muscles. This would in turn, make it easier for children with arthritis to engage in physical activity, allowing better physical function and enjoying an overall better quality of life!