The Exercise and Inflammation Study investigated the effect of two different types of exercise on inflammation in children (aged 9 to 17) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as well as children without a chronic condition.

To do this, we tried to answer the following questions:

• What type of exercise reduces inflammation and promotes growth in youth with JIA?
• Is the inflammatory response to exercise different in children with JIA compared with children that do not have a chronic condition?

What did the study involve?

This study involved a total of three visits. During the first visit we did assessments of body composition (muscle and fat) and fitness. During the second and third visits, participants performed either 60 minutes of cycling or six minutes of cycling. We measured levels of inflammation before, during and after the exercise.

Who participated in the study?

Children with JIA and healthy children between nine and 17 years of age participated in this study.

What are the results?

The results of this study can be found here:

Effects of acute exercise on circulating endothelial and progenitor cells in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and healthy controls: a pilot study (pdf).

What’s next?

We are now conducting The CHAMPION Study which is looking at the effects of sedentary behaviour and physical activity on health in children with JIA and other chronic conditions.