CIHR Team in Linking Exercise, Physical Activity and Pathophysiology in Childhood Arthritis: A Canadian Collaborative Team.

In Canada, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) afflicts approximately 10,000 children and youth, causing pain, disability and long-term joint and bone damage. JIA often results in poor physical function and reduced quality of life into adulthood, and imposes a large burden on affected children, their families and the health care system. Emerging evidence suggests that increased levels of physical activity might favourably influence the outcomes of children with JIA although it is also evident that these children are less physically active than their healthy peers, or indeed others with chronic disease. Our research program aims to uncover the factors, specific to children with JIA, that affect their ability to participate in physical activities and the barriers to such participation. We will also determine how varying levels of physical activity affect the inflammation of arthritis, and also its effects on the developing bones and muscles, of children with JIA. Finally, we will study the effects of two different 'novel' physical activity programs on these same outcomes in children with JIA. Our research team is uniquely positioned to conduct this important research, using a cross-Canadian approach, and involving expert researchers in bone health in childhood. We will also use state-of-the-art techniques to examine developing bone and muscle structure and new methods to accurately measure physical activity. The major aim of our research program is to develop new evidence that will support the need for, and promotion of, increased levels of physical activity in children with JIA with the ultimate objective of improving their overall health and well-being.