POS1445-PARE LET’S MOVE! BECAUSE WE ALL, INCLUDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH RMDS, HAVE THE RIGHT TO MOVE IN A MEANINGFUL WAY
Authors: H. Rissanen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or other musculoskeletal disorders may make it difficult for a child or adolescent to engage in physical activity (PA), even though PA is rarely completely prohibited. Conversely, physical activity and exercise are important parts of healthy lifestyle for everyone, including children with disabilities. [1] In Finland, current recommendations on PA for children aged 7 to 17 years include at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA a day [2]. Studies indicate that children with JIA are less physically active than their peers [1]. The social aspect of PA should not be forgotten either. Questionnaire made at the beginning of Reumanuoret liikkumaan -project showed, that some parents feel that PE-teachers or coaches do not always understand the disease and its effects on PA or know how to adapt movements in a way, that would be more suitable. Some children also felt discriminated because of their disability. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To increase the PA of school-age children with rheumatic and other musculoskeletal diseases and to improve their quality of life by creating positive experiences of PA situations, supporting their self-efficacy and strengthening their sense of belonging to a group. The project improves the capacity of different parties to consider the needs of young people with RMDs and offers examples of applying sports. <h3>Methods:</h3> Reumanuoret liikkumaan -project produced a video series that presents how different sports can be applied. Videos were made in 2022 and included a wide variety of sports: padel, swimming, disc golf, beach volleyball, cheerleading, gym training and warm up -routine. There are children and young people living with RMDs themselves taking part of the videos to show that the disease is not an obstacle to have hobbies or enjoy the joy of sports. In addition to videos, some live and online events were arranged to young people with RMDs. Also, a written material that can be given to PE teacher or coach to make it easier to explain the basics of the disease and the needs when it comes to PA was produced. <h3>Results:</h3> Videos (7) made in the project were published in Finnish Rheumatism Association's YouTube-channel between (7.6.2022-12.8.2022). Videos were also shared to projects website and via social media. The number of views, between publishing and 1st of March 2023 was 19349 in total. Printed material was also published online and distribution will continue. Feedback was requested in connection with the publication of the videos from all those who watched the videos. Only 14 people gave feedback. 93% of the respondents completely or somewhat agreed that the videos gave them ideas for practicing or applying sports and that the videos were inspiring. Seven out of nine respondents completely or somewhat agreed that the videos encouraged them to try new forms of exercise. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The Reumanuoret liikkumaan -project was carried out in a fairly short time and most of the time was spent making videos and other materials. Due to that the dissemination of materials and good practices continues. The project received a warm reception, but feedback on the videos was scarce. In the light of these results, the effect of the videos on children's and young people's PA, self-efficacy, or the attitudes associated with RMDs and PA is impossible to indicate. More research is needed on the impacts of such materials on attitudes and behavior. However, it is important to continue not only to inspire and encourage young people with RMDs to exercise and find a meaningful way to get their daily dose of PA but also to increase the awareness of RMDs among adults who organize sport for children and adolescents. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Philpott, J., Houghton, K. &amp;Luke, A. 2010. Physical activity recommendations for children with specific chronic health conditions: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hemophilia, asthma and cystic fibrosis. Paediatrics Child Health 2010 Apr;15(4):213-2018. doi: 10.1093/pch/15.4.213. [2] Recommendation on physical activity for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years. 2021. Report series of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland 2021:21. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-263-861-8. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> The Finnish Rheumatism Association and all volunteers who participated in the implementation of the project. <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>