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The benefits of physical therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

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Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children and an important cause of short-term and long-term disability. Recommended physiotherapy activity programs are essential for controlling JIA associated complications such as stiffness, deformity, muscle contractures, and cramps. It is uncertain if physiotherapy (PT) can significantly enhance prognosis and quality of life (QOL). In this review we focused on the specific effects of various PT on JIA manifestations. To conduct a literature review, the databases PubMed, Scopus, and DOAJ (last access in June 2023) were searched. The PubMed search returned a total of 952 articles, Scopus returned 108, and DOAJ returned no results. After screening, the final list included 18 papers on PT treatment for JIA patients. In children with JIA, targeted PT exercise may have the ability to improve strength, posture, aerobic conditioning, gait, functional mobility, and reduce pain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy

    Armando Di Ludovico, Saverio La Bella, Giulia Di Donato, Francesco Chiarelli & Luciana Breda

  2. Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA

    Jon Felt

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Contributions

ADL wrote the manuscript and realized the figure and table. SLB and GDD wrote the manuscript. JF edited the manuscript in correct English. FC and LB coordinated, reviewed, and approved the final version of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. All authors take full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Armando Di Ludovico.

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Di Ludovico, A., La Bella, S., Di Donato, G. et al. The benefits of physical therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rheumatol Int 43, 1563–1572 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-023-05380-9

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