Jill Blitz
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, USA
Title: Do pedometers with or without education on exercise increase functional walking capacity and physical activity level in adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Biography
Biography: Jill Blitz
Abstract
To evaluate the impact of pedometer use on the Physical Activity (PA) and Functional Walking Capacity (FWC) of adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Lower Extremity (LE) involvement. Twenty-seven adolescents, ages 11-19 years with JIA and LE involvement participated in the 3-phase pedometer study that introduced the use of a pedometer and an education seminar at 6 weeks. Measurements were taken at the baseline fi rst visit and at weeks 6, 12 and 20. Th e primary outcome measure was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Th irteen completed the study. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) signifi cantly increased from baseline (458.0±70.8 m) to the end of phase 1(501.4 ±59.8 m) (p = 0.035), prior to receiving the pedometer; and from baseline to the end of study (p=0.0037). No signifi cant changes in 6MWD were found between weeks 6 and 12 (intervention) (p=0.77) or between weeks 12 and 20 (follow through phase)(p=0.27). In adolescents with LE JIA, consistent guidance and support by rheumatology professionals appears to positively infl uence PA and measures of FWC as seen through improved 6MWD. Th ere was insuffi cient evidence to show that pedometers further increased FWC or PA.