Aerobic capacity in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy children

Manuela Jasso Giannini, Elizabeth J. Protas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study compared aerobic capacity and highest work load completed by children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and healthy children during bicycle ergometer exercise. A secondary purpose was to determine the relationship between measures of disease severity and (a) aerobic capacity and (b) highest work load completed among the JRA patients. Aerobic capacity was measured using an open‐circuit computerized gas analysis system. Sixteen patients with JRA and 16 healthy children were matched for age, sex, and body surface area. The healthy children achieved a significantly higher aerobic capacity than their respective control (p < 0.001, paired test, two‐tailed). The healthy children were able to complete higher work loads than their respective control (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon matchedpairs signed‐rank test). There was no relationship between measures of articular disease severity and (a) aerobic capacity and (b) highest work load completed among the JRA patients. Results of this study provide specific direction to clinicians to initiate aerobic conditioning programs for children with JRA soon after diagnosis. Additionally, an individual's functional exercise capacity is not directly related to the severity of the articular disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-135
Number of pages5
JournalArthritis & Rheumatism
Volume4
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1991
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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