Traditionally believed to worsen symptoms, research in Canada now suggests that exercise can actually be beneficial for children suffering from juvenile arthritis, a condition which affects about one child in every 1,000.

In the first study to analyse the benefits of strength training in children with arthritis, as well as analysing the chronic pain they experience, a University of Saskatchewan graduate student, Cameran Van Oort, developed a seven week resistance training programme for children aged eight to 18.

At the beginning and end of the study, Van Oort measured inflammation of the joints, function, strength and size of the muscles. As well as showing improvements in strength and endurance, the participants all enjoyed the exercise.

“There is now evidence to suggest that strength training is beneficial and a necessary avenue to improve some of the symptoms of the disease,” says Van Oort. “Children with juvenile arthritis should be able to experience their lives at its fullest potential.”

Adam Baxter-Jones, who supervised the research, says that more research is needed, with a larger number of participants and over a longer time span. He is continuing to study the effects of physical activity programmes in children with arthritis through a major multi-centre federal research programme.