THU0572 Organised sports in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): a comparison of patient and general population participation
Authors: F. Milatz, M. Niewerth, N. Geisemeyer, R. Berendes, M. Hufnagel, N. Onken, A. Thon, F. Weller-Heinemann, K. Minden
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> Despite the well-established physical, social and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in childhood, a substantial proportion of children and adolescents with JIA seem to be not active enough to achieve their age-appropriate fitness level.<sup>1</sup> Previous research revealed that organised sports (OS)<sup>1</sup> is associated with greater health benefits compared to non-organised sporting activities, as intensity and net exercise duration are usually higher,<sup>2</sup> has a strong predictive value in improving leisure time PA, and<sup>3</sup> has a positive influence on mental well-being and life satisfaction.<sup>2</sup> <h3>Objectives</h3> This study was aimed at comparing OS prevalence in JIA with the general population and at determining correlates associated with OS participation. <h3>Methods</h3> Data from the German National Paediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) were considered for the analyses. The outcome variable 'OS participation' was analysed in patients aged 3 to 17 and compared to a population-based nationwide sample (German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents; KiGGS). Correlates of OS participation were analysed using data of the year 2014. <h3>Results</h3> 5.056 children and adolescents with JIA (mean disease duration 4.5±3.6 years) provided information about their exercise habits, of which 36% stated to be involved in OS (34% of girls, 41% of boys). The prevalence was higher in the age groups 7 to 10 and 11 to 13 years with almost 50% than in the age groups 3 to 6 and 14 to 17 years with 35% and 42%, respectively. In KiGGS participants, almost 60% reported to be physically active in OS (54% aged 3 to 6, 65% aged 7 to 10, 60% aged 11 to 13% and 49% aged 14 to 17). Non-participation in OS was associated with active disease status (cJADAS), functional disability (C-HAQ), low parental education, higher body mass index (BMI) and worse patient-reported pain, fatigue and overall well-being. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The prevalence of OS participation in JIA was considerably lower compared to the general population and varied with increasing age, parental education and functional ability. Considering that low levels of PA might even be more dangerous for young patients with JIA, as they also have signs of inflammation, it is all the more important to create opportunities and incentives in the future to improve young rheumatic's exercise habits. <h3>References</h3> [1] Maggio ABR, et al. Reduced physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness in children with chronic diseases. Eur J Pediatr2010;169:1187–93. [2] Eime RM, et al. Does sports club participation contribute to health-related quality of life?Med Sci Sports Exerc2010;42:1022–8. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> The National Paediatric Rheumatological Database has been funded by the German Children Arthritis Foundation (Deutsche Kinder-Rheumastiftung), AbbVie, Pfizer and Chugai. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> F. Milatz: None declared, M. Niewerth: None declared, N. Geisemeyer: None declared, R. Berendes: None declared, M. Hufnagel: None declared, N. Onken: None declared, A. Thon: None declared, F. Weller-Heinemann: None declared, K. Minden Grant/research support from: German Rheumastiftung, Pfizer, AbbVie, Roche, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Medac, Pharm-Allergan