Sports and exercise in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Children and adolescents with inflammatory rheumatic diseases should practice sports to benefit physically and mentally. For this purpose, inflammatory activity in affected joints should be minimal. The selection of an individually suitable sport should be based on medical examination and consultation. The chosen sport must be adapted to the status of the illness, should be enjoyable but not performance oriented and without competitive character. Inflamed joints can be damaged by mechanical overloading during physical activity. Therefore, joint protection is highly important. Pain is usually the best indicator of the load limit and should guide the intensity of training. Current data show that moderate exercise improves physical function and relieves pain. Obesity, which causes strain on inflamed joints, can be reduced. Furthermore, stabilization of the cardiac function and circulatory system can be achieved. The article presents an overview of the topic juvenile arthritis and sports/exercise.